World Mental Health Day 2026: How Indian Families Can Replace ‘Log Kya Kahenge?’ With ‘How Can We Help?’

Saturday, October 10, 2026, 8:30

World Mental Health Day 2026, observed on October 10, raises awareness about mental health challenges and the importance of accessible, supportive care. The 2026 theme, "Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change," highlights the need to listen to people experiencing mental health conditions and involve them in decisions about their care and well-being.

In India, where concerns about social judgment can influence how families discuss emotional distress, changing the conversation at home is an important step towards seeking help. The fear of "log kya kahenge" (what will people say?) can make people hesitate to share what they are going through, even with those closest to them.

Photo Credit: Image is AI-generated

Dr. Munia Bhattacharya, Senior Consultant, Clinical Psychology, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, shares insights on how Indian families can create a more understanding environment, respond to emotional distress without judgment and encourage people to seek professional support when needed.

When Fear Of Judgement Makes People Stay Silent

Dr. Bhattacharya points out that the fear of social judgment can become a significant barrier to opening up about mental health.

"Log kya kahenge?" (What will people say?) We have heard this question in so many situations growing up. But when someone is struggling with their mental health, this fear can become something much bigger. It can stop them from telling the very people they hope will understand them.

Imagine finding it difficult to get through the day, yet worrying that admitting it will upset your parents, change the way your spouse sees you or become a topic of discussion among relatives. For some people, staying silent feels easier than explaining what they cannot quite put into words.

Sharing her observations from clinical practice, Dr. Bhattacharya remarks that people who fear being judged may continue to fulfil their everyday responsibilities while concealing their emotional distress.

"In my clinical practice, I have seen how difficult it can be for people to talk about emotional distress when they are afraid of being judged. They may continue working, looking after their children and meeting everyday responsibilities, giving everyone the impression that things are fine. But functioning on the outside does not necessarily mean feeling okay on the inside."

Photo Credit: PR/AI-generated

Why Mental Health Struggles Are Often Misunderstood

Dr. Bhattacharya explains that misconceptions about mental health can make it harder for people to express what they are experiencing.

Much of the difficulty comes from how we understand mental health. Sadness is sometimes dismissed as ingratitude, anxiety as overthinking and emotional exhaustion as a lack of strength. A family member might say, "You have everything in life. Why are you feeling this way?" They may genuinely want to help. Yet the person hearing those words may feel that they now have to justify their pain.

"A person can have a loving family, a successful career and a comfortable life and still experience mental health difficulties. One does not cancel out the other," Dr. Bhattacharya emphasises.

She adds that when someone opens up about their mental health, families should focus on understanding their experience rather than questioning the reasons behind their distress.

"When someone opens up about their mental health, the first response should not be to question whether they have a reason to feel this way. It should be to understand what they are experiencing."

How Families Can Respond With Understanding

According to Dr. Bhattacharya, family members may react to emotional distress by offering immediate advice, taking it personally or trying to solve the problem before fully listening.

Parents may become anxious and start giving advice, while spouses may take the distress personally. Other family members may rush to find a solution before the person has finished speaking. Dr. Bhattacharya suggests that sometimes the most helpful response is simply to say, "Tell me what has been happening. I want to understand."

She recommends making conversations about mental health less intimidating by listening without criticism, avoiding comparisons and respecting personal boundaries.

"Families do not need to have all the answers. They do need to make room for an honest one. Avoid comparisons, criticism and comments that begin with 'You should be grateful' or 'Others have it worse.' Ask what kind of support would help, listen without turning the conversation into an interrogation, and respect the person's privacy. Sharing their struggles with relatives without permission can make it harder for them to open up again."

Recognising When Professional Help Is Needed

Dr. Bhattacharya points out that while a supportive family environment is important, there are situations in which professional intervention is necessary.

"There are also times when listening alone is not enough. If emotional difficulties persist, interfere with sleep, appetite, relationships or daily functioning, or become increasingly difficult to manage, encourage the person to consult a qualified mental health professional. Offer to help them find someone or accompany them if they wish. If they express suicidal thoughts or appear at immediate risk of harm, seek urgent professional help."

Supporting Loved Ones Without Taking Away Their Autonomy

Dr. Bhattacharya also highlights the importance of respecting an individual's independence while offering support. Helping someone through a difficult period should not mean making decisions on their behalf.

"It is equally important to remember that support should not become control. A person experiencing mental health difficulties still deserves to be involved in decisions about their own life. Ask before stepping in, offer help without imposing it, and allow them as much autonomy as possible."

Changing The Conversation Starts At Home

Reflecting on the role families play in mental health support, Dr. Bhattacharya encourages them to examine whether social perceptions take precedence over the well-being of their loved ones.

Perhaps every family needs to ask itself a difficult but necessary question: when someone we love is struggling, are we more concerned about what other people might think, or about what that person is going through?

"We may not be able to remove every fear, solve every problem or find the perfect words. But we can change what happens when someone finally speaks," she points out.

The real measure of a family's strength is not how well it keeps its problems hidden, but whether its members feel safe enough to ask for help.

The doctor concludes, "And perhaps that is where the change begins: not with convincing the world to stop judging, but with making sure that, within our own homes, nobody has to suffer in silence just to keep everyone else comfortable."

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.