Breaking stigma: Unique campaign launched to increase awareness about mental health

By A Representative 

In a powerful and heartfelt initiative to confront India's growing mental health crisis, a unique awareness campaign titled Breaking Stigma One Mile at a Time was flagged off from New Delhi on April 20. The campaign is aimed at increasing awareness about mental health, encouraging young people to seek professional support, and building a more compassionate environment for those struggling with mental illness. The journey was flagged off by psychiatrists Dr Amit Sen and Dr Rajiv Mehta, along with therapist Khilly Marwaha. Professors Mridula Mukherjee, Aditya Mukherjee, and Apoorvanand also joined the send-off, along with over a hundred friends, family members, and well-wishers.

India is facing a serious mental health crisis. Mental disorders are now the second most common cause of years lived with disability, while suicide is the third leading cause of death in many states. According to national data, 15 percent of Indian adults need mental health support, yet between 70 and 92 percent do not receive any treatment. More than 110 million people continue to struggle, and over one lakh lives are lost to suicide each year. These numbers highlight the urgent need for widespread awareness, access to treatment, and the dismantling of stigma.

The campaign is the brainchild of Seher Hashmi, a motivational speaker and fashion stylist. Her own journey with mental illness began in her teens when she was diagnosed with clinical depression and borderline personality disorder. Seher’s struggles began with childhood trauma after being relinquished to an orphanage at just nine months of age. With over a decade of therapy, support from mental health professionals, and encouragement from family and friends, Seher slowly reclaimed her life. But she soon realised that her access to care made her one of the fortunate few. Millions in India continue to suffer in silence, unable to access professional help due to the shame and misinformation surrounding mental health.

Determined to rewrite this narrative, Seher began sharing her story through videos and interactive workshops. Her efforts have reached students, rural communities, and NGOs across the country. This new journey marks a powerful continuation of that work.

Riding alongside Seher on Royal Enfield motorbikes is Dev Desai, a well-known social activist with over 15 years of grassroots experience. Dev became particularly engaged with mental health advocacy during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he helped coordinate a volunteer-led initiative called Talk It Out, which provided free online counselling services for youth. The initiative mobilised 140 volunteers, 100 of whom were trained psychologists, and reached over 300 people, including callers from outside India.

Also part of the team is filmmaker Samanyu Shukla, who has been capturing human stories for over a decade through documentaries and photography. He is documenting the entire campaign, with plans to produce a film that captures the personal and collective impact of the journey. Nazneen Shaikh, a self-taught singer and organiser, will be performing at events along the way and speaking about the healing power of music in dealing with trauma and emotional distress. Driving the team’s support vehicle is Mehraj U Din, a science graduate who runs a bakery in Kupwara and has volunteered to support the campaign from Delhi to Kupwara and back.

The team will travel through 21 cities and villages, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu, Srinagar, Kupwara, Baramulla, Anantnag, Rohtak, Ludhiana, and others. They will be conducting 30 interactive sessions in schools, colleges, community spaces, and mental health facilities. These sessions will involve open conversations with young people, community members, and mental health professionals to foster understanding and encourage those in need to seek help.

Seher continues to motivate people through her lived experience, while Dev is focused on building networks with local professionals and mental health groups. Nazneen’s voice will offer both inspiration and emotional comfort at each stop. Samanyu’s visual storytelling will ensure the stories of the people they meet are preserved and amplified. The team will also be distributing folders containing accessible mental health information, coping strategies, and helpline numbers.

Breaking Stigma One Mile at a Time is not just a campaign—it is a journey of courage, connection, and collective healing. It invites every citizen to be part of a movement that recognises mental health as a priority and reminds us that no one should have to suffer alone.