Public sentiment reveals significant concern and frustration over the state of mental health care in India. There is a strong consensus on the need for urgent reforms to address pervasive stigma, inadequate treatment options, and societal ignorance surrounding mental health issues. Many personal stories indicate a collective desire for greater awareness, empathy, and systemic change to improve support for those suffering from mental illness.

Indian Government

Mental Health Professionals

Society at Large

Corporate Sector

Yes, mental health is a joke in this country but what's worse is sharing your mental health woes in India

_thandasamosa

Hey buddy, hope you are OK, wishing you a lot of mental peace. 


Everything was fine till the time you mentioned that you won't return to the office and will let them know, once you are able to. 


This is very non commital and very vague, people in general don't work in vague. If you have a household help at home, and thag person tells you that they will let you know when they can return and meanwhile won't take any calls, you would also probably replace your house help. 


A leave for 10 days is different than i will let you know once I am ready to return, till then I won't take any calls. 



I, as a team lead, will also be concerned about my delivery. Anyways, hope you feel better, take care 👍

Mannu1727

As a psychology major I'd insist rather than just suggest you to consult a professional, it really helps

idgafaboutyouu

Unfortunately, talking about mental health problems is a taboo in India.

Elegant_Place_9203

Folks like these expect that if we have a working body and fingers to type on the keyboard, they can just treat us like they want to.

bhalainsaan

Your manager isn't your friend you're oversharing. Just say you're unwell and shut your laptop

kaladin_stormchest

I had a similar experience as 30M working 5 years at a same company, same team. My notice period email also mentioned that I need a mental health break. But everyone thought I’m switching company! 

That’s why I had decided that I’m going to be my own boss. Best decision of my life yet. Corporate “slavery” is real.

Massive_Customer2423

Most of these emails are just chatgpt write outs to gain public sympathy. If someone has any ailment, he or she can go to doctor and attach prescription, but that will never give them sympathy or attention from others. 

People talking out work culture in west, try to talk someone who is laid off one morning after 20 years of work in the same company (I have seen few).
✌️ooo.

delta_operator_47

mindsets are unfortunately super narrow and probably not getting better any time soon, have to try your luck and push for a medical request of some sort because you will just not be taken seriously

amartya124

I hope you get well soon. And yes, corporates don't care about your problems as they know even if you quit there are many to fill in your boots. Take your time off and focus on getting therapy to get better.

Early-Awareness594

Rule of thumb , when you are mentally ill , inform that you are ill that's it .No need to share what kind of illness it is , or you will be ridiculed.

Candid_Fold_5450

this is so damn sad. maybe try going to a psychologist/doctor and ask them to prescribe you a few days leave and try showing it to your manager?

External_Seat_1214

cocky_Foreman

Don't take what these corporate lowlives say seriously OP. You have to learn to be shameless, with grow a thick skin. Otherwise you cannot survive in this corporate world. I remember the bullying I used to face from my manager and collegues and am speaking from experience. You just have to take your leaves without caring if they are making fun of you or what.

ConfusedRedditor16

No one cares it’s on you to manage your well being as well as job. Everyone is there to please their higher ups.

Jolly_Scientist8874

In India, people are often not considerate. Don’t let their thoughts or opinions affect you. Take a break, take care of yourself, and if required, seek professional consultation.

InvestmentChoice8285

Bhai quit your job and go home. Waha papa ke paise ka khao aur apne saare nakhre dikhao. Paise chahiye to ye sab nahi chalega. The business pays you for your effort to move it forward, if you can't move your business forward you are unnecessary. I am sorry, it is a tough world now that you're outta school

uber4saul

Never share actual truth…take off sick and submit medical..no clarification 

Fearless_Gate_61

Sorry to hear that. Talk to someone you trust. Eat well, take proper rest. All the best!

heyananyaaaaa

They don't care 
Rather treat our generation like some aliens
Ppl of our generation are not accepting the toxic work culture and more vocal about it and these bitches sitting in the office, feeling superior just bcz of the age difference and wanting respect nd what not, are not able handle a bit of reality..... They'll say big things but are just shitty  .... They think their struggles were soo big and SUPERIOR to ours .... I fucking hate these ppl... Nobody fuckin cares of other person

Big-State9447

As a neurodivergent with 15+ years of corporate experience, I can completely relate to this. 
First of all, I am sorry that you are feeling overwhelmed OP. More power to you. Hope you feel well again real soon. And I am equally disgusted by the response of your company. 
Here is my advice to you. Do seek help. Reach out to people who can help you with the current state of mind. Keep working on yourself. It is absolutely brave of you to take the first step of acknowledging the mental health issues. Second, never ever disclose this to your workplace. They won't understand. The sad truth is, if not you then there are probably 1000 in line to do your job. That's why the empathy towards employees is non-existent in our country.

RandomUsernameWhat

You have an option to avoid replying to the person. I do that for clients who are very pushy for their work. It works well especially when someone needs their own time off.

Nearby_Mycologist_32

Asking robots to feel something is one's own fault. So engrossed in the system, the human part is lost; just another cog in this big machine.

Sufficient_Tax6288

It's a sure signal to leave such kind of firms and such kind of people. They will drag you down with themselves. They are the equivalent of termites, instead of furniture, it's a human being and soul.

What is the worst that could happen? You stay unemployed for some time. You might face problems paying your bills. But it's just short-lived. There are really good people and really good companies out there. Facing a short-term turbulence like this is better than the progressive hell you will receive on a daily basis with such people around you.

sesky_nomad27

codax30

I am so sorry this has happened to you. Next time you need time off, just say you are unwell. Be specific, give them a date when you expect to be back. If you are back earlier, they will be happy so give a return date on the outer limit. If they insist on details, say food poisoning, Covid, migraine. I know I will get down voted for suggesting lying but we all know how Indian HR is. Protect yourself and take care.

Opening-Advice

In general people are numb in this country. There are so many major issues that intangible problems are not taken seriously. There always people in line to take ur position , work more with lesser pay hence nobody cares. Even maid has more freedom than many well educated people who are expected to do everything and act like perfect slave

DirectPractice5532

welcome to the corporate world.  
My advice:  
- Your first priority should be your health. Mental health is equally important as your physical health  
- Don't let your supervisor, HR, colleagues worsen it. Please.  
- Please take care of yourself. Surround yourself with your family/parents. I'm sure you'll get good support from them.  
- Please get professional help. It is the necessary.  
- For future - don't give reasons - just say that you are unwell.  
- Finally, dgaf.

Professional_Cream_9

Kisi ne ek baat kahi h “zindgi ek kuan h, andar gir gye ho to bhar to nikalna hi h, chahe haske niklo chahe roke”

Hasne se confidence aayega jo strength dega. 

Rest Take care.

Nathulalji

As a team lead myself, I have seen people exploiting companies in various excuses. My manager has always been very considerate towards me and I have been equally considerate to the work making sure his deliverables are met with. He never denied me any leave, be it planned or unplanned, never asked me why I wasn't available without notice on a certain day. We have a good understanding.

But when I try being the same guy like my manager to my juniors, I just find them taking advantage of me. My deliveries are fucked up, no one cares, everyone taking leaves here and there, no one accountable. I failed as a manager/team lead. I am seen as a weak person in my job. Why? Because I wanted to be considerate to people. I see myself turning from a considerate person to someone like your manager. Its fault of some people that managers turn like this, most managers are not inherently like this. 

In your case, I would have rather said, that give me a day or two for some personal issues that I need to figure out. And update again on 2nd day, if I needed to extend (obviously not repeating this 2 time). As someone else mentioned in the chat that you just can't say hey I am not coming today and I don't know when I will come, good luck with your deliverables. Mental health problem can be real, but it need to be dealt in a realistic way and your understanding with your manager needs to be good (I know not possible with every managers)

Sad_Bat_2711

Nobody cares..not the manager..not the HR..not the corporate itself.  
They have enough people to replace anybody. And that is the truth.

You just take care of your self. Take your time. Hope you feel good soon.

Born_Visual6810

submit a letter from your psychiatrist or psychologist.
they’ll take it seriously then

JesusBurnedMe

I am not taking sides, but I'll give you my 2 cents.

Your colleagues and your managers are not your family or friends, do not expect empathy from them.

Never ever overshare, ever at your workplace, especially personal stuff.

Most of the people working around you would have mental health issues however they either push through it or do not even realise that it's even there. Your manager would most probably have more personal issues and so does not understand why personal and professional stuff cannot be kept separate.

There are chances your 30+ yo self would look back at this post and would chuckle. I say this out of personal experience. (38M this side.)

Plane_Ebb5603

Mental health choro idhar baarish ya per me chot bhi lg jaaye ya bukhar ho fir bhi jana pdta h muje toh 🙂

Crazy_System_4875

Apply for a medical leave...switch off ur cell...return back after leave.

Future-Air-2338

"No one lacks empathy like the indians do"

maymayraj

Firstly I hope you are well and hope you find mental peace.

Secondly, I know I am going to get a lot of downvotes for this but imagine yourself being in the manager or company owner's shoes. An employee says he is not mentally well and wants long leave without explaining or justifying the reason (i know you are not comfortable sharing), so basically you want paid leave without explaining anything. Your problem might be genuine but you can imagine how this could be misused.

I would consider talking to my manager, taking him in confidence and explaining your situation. Without explanation you want paid long leave, it does not sounds fair to the company IMHO.

Trick_Progress287

Damn, some people here are pathetic, the post is about lack of empathy and people are mocking it. Some jokes write themselves, they are the very people the post is talking about, shoutout to u/Flashy_Baseball4586 and u/VibrantlyDelicious.

LPT: it's better to shut up when you have nothing meaningful to contribute to a conversation.

diplomatic_331

I hope you get better and i hope u get a better opportunity than to work with these jackasses.

Some comments here prove OP's point 🤦‍♂️

Maybe take a little break from work because Indian managers are not someone who can understand this and take mental health seriously

mhytyj7b

I know its a joke but you have to understand that people depend on you...

Character-Travel3952

21 and u feel its mentally frustrating, i dont know  what is going on in your life but at 21 u should have the courage the to fight it hard, even with all the luxuries we get mntally frustrated, meanwhile our parents worked the worlds off and never got frustrated like our generation

dolokalelo-650

Leaving that workplace is the only solution, coz it's gonna get worse once you join

CAsushiCFA

Forget mental health, even if you are physically not well they ask you to work. Mental health tho feels like a pipe dream at most organizations, especially because they are often the source of your mental health woes xD

RainbowRaccoon69

Mental health?? In family:- pure din baith te rehete ho , isliye hota hay... In office:- paisa kaun dega, tumhare ba*p..

root_thr3e

how come managers and other senior hierarchies are not getting proper training to deal with situations like these? empathy makes sense to them only when it comes to their customers and not employees. sad to see how most of the corporate employees have to go through these shitty and uncomfortable situations.

ssstarrynight

im-Depression98

Spiritual_1995

Why tell mentally ill. Tell you are ill. That's it. And telling you are mentally not well for weeks can be a reason for such a manager to relieve you.
Tell only what's needed

HelpfulPace3368

I used to work for an indian client and have faced something similar since then i made a pact to not work with people who take mental health as an excuse.
Worked with EU/US clientele and they are so supportive and actually been mentally less tiring and happy tbh !

Rish-Music-wav

Really sad to see this, sometime it feels like no one really gives a damn about well being, when you're sick, you're supposed to be "sick" physically, not mentally, it just doesn't exist for them. Anyways, you should consult a professional, and see a therapist, much better than tending to these clowns

crazyjungle

Secret_Mud_2401

I am sorry for what you are going through and hope that you get the necessary help that you need from a trained professional. How they reacted and mocked you is wrong. 

But you cannot just drop an email saying that I am off indefinitely and would reach out to you whenever I feel like it. Also, don't try to call me or ask me anything about it. How would you feel if a person comes to the office and says, I won't be working because I have a serious illness and refuse to provide additional details.

Reach out to a professional, so you have the basis for the help/break that you need and still if the people in your organization behave like this, report him. Social media is a powerful tool.

TrainerFit

Corporates are full of assholes.  It's an unfortunate fact.  What's fun is that the same assholes expect you to be considerate.

find_a_rare_uuid

i cannot imagine what you have gone through at this early age, take rest and recover

maa-ka-ladla

I resigned from my Job in 2017 ... And I wrote an email to my boss who used to tell me that I wasn't good enough and confessed that I have started realising that I wasn't good enough. And I wasn't cut out for the job.

I was laughed at for accepting my failure to complete the task, for which I was ready to pay the price. Something weird happened and they completely overlooked my broken down mental state, and a super senior called me to retain me. Since he was in his 50s, he was a bit tired and consequently a bit less aggressive with me and that changed my mind. 

I am drafting my next resignation letter. And this time I will keep the reason to personal issues without much elaboration.

OneMillionFireFlies

Mental health issue can be diagnosed by a doctor. Have you consulted a doctor? 

If yes, send the doctor's diagnosis to the company. Without it, expecting someone to empathize on face value doesn't work in India.

Substantial_City_435

it's less about mental health and more about workers being treated like shit in general

shirleysimpnumba1

Almost everything's a joke in this country. Let alone mental health.

FunGlad3926

I had a very similar sub-manager who used to do micro-management for the segregated teams working on different projects in my past organization. This sub-manager used to report to me.

I used to visit office rarely, and when I did, I used to meet the team members, know their experiences in work life in retrospective meetings. In one of our teams, there was this guy from Bihar. Had about 2 years of experience, exceptional frontend developer. He was doing amazing work but during my two visits to the office, he seemed lost, like something is bothering him and he seemed dull, still doing amazing work but kind of unhappy for something.

I approached him and he insisted that he's fine, which I could see that he was not, maybe because he was afraid because a senior approached him like that. I asked him multiple times but he didn't say anything. In my third visit, I again noticed that and asked him to take a break and have a word with me... he kinda felt comforted and explained me that his wife had a miscarriage and his family is creating issues because of that. I asked him then what is he doing in the freaking office instead of being at home. He said that the sub-manager used to mistreat him and also declined his leave requests to go home. He even offered to work remotely but the sub-manager misbehaved and declined. The poor guy almost started crying.

I gathered up that team, asked if the sub-manager gave them hard time and guess what, some of the team members were tormented by that sub-manager.

I ended up getting that sub-manager fired, and managed to get the poor man some day-offs without deductions. I also asked the managing directors to arrange for a bonus for the guy because I felt so bad for him, he never let any of that impact his work. Not sure if he got the bonus or not because I left that organization 3 months after this whole thing.

shiny_pixel

Express_Tailor_4503

BEEN THERE. DONE THAT. Eventually I had walk out of my last Godforsaken workplace because exactly things like these. I was screwed over by CallBA a British Airways subsidiary based here in Gurgaon that my testicles had started to pain and I had to get myself medically tested

Samurai-named-Jack

I am too suffering from anxiety, depression since past few years ..
I consult psychiatrist for shortness of breath issue, caused by anxiety disorder...

Once i told my manager( i work in govt sector) that i need leave, cause i am having consultation with psychiatrist for anxiety,
 since then my whole image has been ruined, instead of understanding and empathising with my problem, all my colleagues talk behind me, make fun of me and treat me like i am gone mad...
Now i have realised, that having mental health issues, and seeking support for such issues are a taboo in india...
People consider anything which has mental in it, as mad, psycho...nd make fun of it...
No one, not even highly educated, have even an iota of idea of mental health issues....
For them mental health issue means, the person is just making excuses, is lazy , kaam chor...

truth_seeker_boy

Been there, seen it. I hope you have your family and friends with you, take care.

LongjumpingAd4186

No need to share why you need a leave , just apply.

In India, if you are sick and can be physically verified then only you are eligible for sick leaves. For mental health issues, they think it’s a Gen Z excuse to shirk work.

beachtechie04

Heyy..I was in the same space a while back as you are now. All my managers did not really pay attention when asked to release me from the company. They made me beg for almost 6/7 months. But I said I would go on a sabbatical break for a couple of months and that’s when they took me seriously. 

I was lucky that there is a ‘Break from work’ leave under LOP category similar to sabbatical in my company. So I reached out to HR showing the reports by my therapist which basically stated that I am struggling mentally and also that I will be needing some sessions for my condition.
I was then approved of leave and took break for about 50days.

I hope this way can work for you. Don’t just bother about your managers..these people are just there to make money out of us and are least concerned. You need to stand up for yourself.

Feel free to reach out to your therapist and see if they can provide you a report/letter stating your situation. Also check the leave policies in your company with your hr/by raising a ticket.

All the best!

Natural_Vanilla9291

Bro atleast pick up a call

If i get this email as a manager, I AM going to call

What do you expect. Me read the mail and go la la la la about my work? lol

Medium_Airport9544

Take a sick leave. See a therapist and document it. That is the only way you will be taking your mental health seriously and others will too. Respectfully as long as you don’t see an expert, you are doing the same thing to yourself as others are doing to you.

Silly-Amoeba7605

Every-Border335

This is the current situation, they treat us like robots.

Bulky_Line_5464

Honestly, Jitna time akela bitaoge utna random thoughts aate rahenge. Keeping busy yourself and getting shit done is the only way to cope with mental exhaustion.

stronne

I do not understand one thing. There is always a reason behind someone’s response, but have you ever thought about the fact that everyone is going through something? I have been in a situation where my junior took time off because he was not feeling well mentally. I completely understand that, but what about the other person? He went on leave, and I had to take up all the work left behind, even when I was dealing with my own challenges.
We all get paid for the same work, and as humans, I believe that regulating our emotions is just as important as feeling them. If I start letting things overwhelm me and keep expecting everyone around me to be completely understanding, it might work once or twice. However, in the long run, it affects the other person too. In a professional setup, all of us are required to perform our duties, no matter what we are personally going through.

Wildcrazy_me

Better resign

Mental helath is need of hour 

Take care of health

Company never gonna suffer

Logical_League8088

Leave the job!!!! I may sound supporting the manager but trust me in corporate everyone has to answer someone, even if one of them is not empathetic about it, whole the chain has to behave like this, you can't walk in rain and come dry.......saying I am waterphobic. If you think your company should pay you when you are not sure, when you actually can come to the office or not, that's absurd. When you enter the world of profit and loss, ultimately that only matters

Terrible-Fox-956

Separate-Distance139

Companies are like that sadly. Switch when you feel disrespected. END

platonic_twin

Why not just take a sick day instead of writing mental health break? Do you have a company policy for mental health breaks?

Especially if you know they gonna act like this, just easier to take a sick day no?

StackOverflowedBrain

Avoid sharing personal details with colleagues unless they are close family. If you need time off, use sick leave or medical leave call it a day. Mental health? the job market is competitive, people fly like moth on job openings these days.

shivamYe

This is a problem with Indians. See these managers and seniors work their ass off at the cost of their healths. Which is fine - their choice. But they extend their decision on their subordinates and expect them to work their ass off as well. I used to work with a lot of clients - all foreign based and Indian clients were the absolute worst to work with, for this very reason.

Its fine, it will take 2-3 generations to fix this donkey work mindset. I once refused to work in night and I was never asked to work late again.

That being said, I'd refrain from disclosing about your mental health to anyone in the company. Indian companies are not qualified to deal with it and its best to just take a leave siting illness or something else and dealing with the mental health aspect personally by contacting a mental health professional. Don't involve the company into it even if they say they'll provide one. I've read more bad experiences then good ones.

Native_Maintenance

Seek professional help and ignore what's going on in the office..focus on ur mental  health.. I hope u feel better soon ❤️..  and one more thing, "if I were ur friend, I wouldn't have shared all of these drama to you, cuz I'd know it'd hurt u, I'd rather take a stand for u then and there if the situation allowed or share this with u maybe later when ull be feeling okay".. so yaah .. I hope ur in a healthy circle.. GWS..

samurai_samaaaa

Hey. Full empathy to your mental health. I don’t know if had you spoken to your manager / HR before sending the email. It’s pretty clear that your colleagues don’t understand or appreciate the idea of mental health. All the more reasons to align your manager / HR. 

Another thing you could have done is have a clear plan of action stating number of days you will be unavailable? Is there someone willing to take on your tasks. As a manager; organization objectives and goals will override personal issues and where you draw the line is completely your discretion.

ArvinM47

Here the only reward you get for good work is extra work!
Which would mean lesser time for yourself!!

thegameoftc

To be fair, most American HR depts would frown at such an email too (I've lived in the US for 5 years). They'd likely accommodate this for a few weeks, but the reality of corporate life is you're expected to manage your personal lives and show up for work. Unless you have a case that the mental health breakdown is being caused from the workplace, this wouldn't be looked upon kindly at most places in the world. There's a lot of things we Indians get wrong, but let's stop blaming India / Indian culture / working conditions as a catch all for all our problems.

pvrks

I'm 43 and been through it all. Here's my take - You overshared hence your replacement is already being looked into. Never tell anybody your problems at workplace. A) nobody cares B) that's a sign of weakness and weak links break the chain. If this is your first job, take it as a lesson and don't repeat this mistake. All the best.

AnimatorArtistic7834

Mental health cannot be treated by ones suffering themselves.

DiligentAssumption27

[deleted]

next time say you got loose motions, atleast that will work better than mental health.

googletoggle9753

Well what do you expect? If you're physically unwell, they'll ask you to have medicine and show up. Can we really expect them to understand mental health means something?

LowerInterview9469

I think somehow our population is responsible for that, there are so many replacement for a job that instead of sympathizing with them, the employer will always look for other option.

Top-Section6332

If this is happening at workplace, now imagine what happens at school. I once expressed my concerns to the principal of my school, about the pressure I am facing from school, and how my physical health isn't supporting me, and how it's affecting my mental health. She mocked me in front of other teachers, and told me strictly that mental health is nothing, it's just a trendy issue that people have nowadays, and people like me fake it. Just imagine we're living in 2025. 

SleepyWriter22

Not just Indian corporate world, but the corporate in the whole world doesn't care about your physical and mental health.

That's the harsh reality.

Yes, many MNCs offer medical benefits, but you have to deal with your health on your own.

The only difference is that in India, they will be harsh on your face and abroad they will be sweet and show some courtesy for formality, but internally, they don't care.

P.S.:-I know mental health is very important. Please consult mental health professional outside the workplace, and please don't mix this with your professional life. Also, for taking a leave, please mention a fake reason in email which sounds genuine from next time onwards.

spicy_97

Wait !!! You're 21 and may have just gotten a job, and you're already facing mental issues? I'm all up for raising a voice for Mental health and work-life balance, but facing these issues at this young age of 21, where you have just started your career, is absurd. You are not made for this world, I'm sorry to say that.

Character_Ad6016

Just say you have periods and take couple of days leave. Sharing genuinely about how you feel will give them more chances to take advantage of

desimemewala

Your mental health is not the responsibility of your organisation you can work and get sad in your personal time man.

LakeNo4812

Take the lesson, next time just say you have a fever or viral infection or something. The important thing is to get the break time.

theprocrastinazy

The response came in WhatsApp. LOL I’m not even surprised. We have no boundaries for Work and personal life in India. 
People need to practise empathy a lot more. Is a deep rooted mindset problem for us Indians, we lack empathy.

eeelll404

While I sympathize where you’re coming from, the delivery could have been better. We must always remember that the words we use have far stronger implications than we give it credit for.

TooFarAboveYou

It's not a joke. It's often misused by most people.

Kooky_Awareness_8035

Mental health woes arent taking seriously anywhere sadly. 
All these mental health awareness weeks are just a bunch of CSR bs, corporates treat employees like numbers not ppl... imma retire and start my own farm for myself lmao

majorgamer67

India faces a significant mental health crisis with rising rates of disorders and insufficient care, calling for urgent action.

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