On December 25, 2024, reports highlighted the difficulties faced by Muslim individuals in India seeking mental health support. Sana, a pseudonym for a 32-year-old development practitioner, shared her experience of encountering prejudice when seeking help from mental health professionals.
Sana recounted her frustrations with a psychiatrist at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, who made a derogatory comment regarding Muslim families. This incident reflects a broader issue, as a report from Bebaak Collective noted that the mental health needs of Indian Muslims are often overlooked.
According to a parliamentary report, India has only about 2,840 accredited medical psychologists, with a significant lack of representation from Muslim professionals. Studies indicate that Muslims in India are experiencing increasing mental health challenges, with higher anxiety rates compared to Hindus.
Research during the coronavirus pandemic pointed to a strong correlation between socio-cultural difficulties and psychological stress among Muslims. Additionally, historical marginalization has led to poorer mental health outcomes for both Muslims and Dalits, the lowest caste group in India.
The World Health Organization recommends a minimum of three psychiatrists per 100,000 people, but India has only 0.3, creating significant barriers to accessing mental health care. In 2016, of the 150 million Indians needing mental health services, fewer than 30 million sought help, primarily due to stigma, high costs, and a lack of awareness.
Urban Muslims with access to education face additional pressures, often compelled to seek religious guidance before professional help. Faizan, a 29-year-old who has sought counseling since 2015, noted that mental health issues are only acknowledged in extreme cases within his family.
Another individual, Zeba, a 26-year-old journalist, expressed her struggle to find a therapist who understands her religious beliefs. The integration of religious and spiritual frameworks into psychotherapy is gaining traction, with some professionals developing approaches that combine traditional Islamic principles with modern psychology.
Experts argue that while having a therapist from the same faith can be beneficial, it is not always the case, as clients may fear judgment. The evolving landscape of mental health care in India highlights the need for culturally sensitive and inclusive approaches to support diverse communities.