TEPSE AND HEPSN CENTRE
Advanced Diploma in Child Guidance and Counselling
Concept of Mental Health:
Indian and Western
Perspective
SUBMITTED BY:
REWA KASHYAP
Introduction
Definition of Mental Health by WHO
A state of well-being in which an individual
realizes their own abilities, can cope with
the normal stresses of life, can work
productively, and is able to make a
contribution to their community
Indian Perspective: Focus
Focus: Holistic balance of mind, body, and spirit
Approach: Rooted in spirituality and traditional and
Approach
practices
Western Perspective:
Focus: Mental health defined through
psychological well-being and functionality
Approach: Evidence-based, medical frameworks
like DSM-5
Aspects of Mental health:
Indian and Western Perspective
Psychological Social
Indian Western Indian Western
Mental health linked Emphasis on individual Family and Social relationships
to spiritual harmony autonomy and self- community take are important but
and emotional expression precedence over the secondary to
balance. individual. individual progress.
Treatments focus on Increasing emphasis
Challenges often Collective well-being
therapy, behavior on community support
framed as internal valued over personal
modification, and networks and peer
imbalances. goals.
medication. groups.
Spiritual
Cultural
Indian Western
Indian Western
Spirituality often
Practices like yoga, Mental health often
Mental health viewed considered separately,
meditation, and linked to achieving
through the lens of but mindfulness
Ayurveda form inner peace or
evidence-based (borrowed from Eastern
traditional coping spiritual balance.
practices. traditions) is widely
mechanisms.
used.
Beliefs in karma and Scientific frameworks
Religious rituals and Increasing emphasis on
dharma influence like DSM-5 guide
community prayers community support
mental health diagnosis and
are common networks and peer
narratives. treatment.
supports. groups.
Economical Physical
Indian Western Indian Western
Mental health Stress management
Treatments can be Emphasizes the
resources are limited, focuses on lifestyle
expensive, leading to mind and body
especially in rural changes like exercise
disparities in access. connection.
areas. and mindfulness.
Practices like
Insurance and Psychosomatic
Cost barriers prevent pranayama and
workplace mental approaches link
access to breathing exercises
health programs play a mental and physical
professional care. for stress
role. health.
management.
Effects of Aspects Indian Western
Family Central to
mental health,
often a
Families
support but
Role often promote
primary
independence
support
system
Can create
Can lead to
pressure due
isolation or
to
Impact detachment in
expectations
some cases
and societal
norms
Aspects Indian Western
Role of
Spreading
awareness
through
Promotes
awareness,
Media
Positive Impact encourages
campaigns
open
and
conversations
influencers
Amplifies Fosters
societal anxiety and
Negative
pressure and depression
Impact
comparison via social
culture media
Indian Government Initiatives
Indian Mental Health Act 2017:
Government
Ensures rights-based care for mental health patients and
prohibits discrimination.
Initiative Focuses on reducing stigma and ensuring access to affordable
care.
National Mental Health Program (NMHP):
Aims to provide mental health services at the community level.
Training of primary healthcare providers to deliver basic mental
health care.
Other Initiatives:
Campaigns like "Kiran Helpline" for suicide prevention.
Inclusion of mental health in public health discussions post-
COVID-19.
Challenges and Opportunities
Indian Challenges:
Stigma, underfunded resources, and rural-urban divides.
Western Challenges:
Over-medicalization and affordability issues.
Opportunities:
Integrating Western clinical approaches with Indian holistic methods for global
benefits
Any Questions?
Thank you
very much!
