The average Indian still thinks of MOdern Evidence based medicine as "Allopathy"- a harsh, mysterious, drastic, dangerous form of treatment with massive side effects and given by callous commercial doctors. They still prefer quacks, charlatans and traditional approaches which have no concept of mental health, let alone an approach to its treatment. This enhances stigma. A complete cure 'from the root' of it, without absolutely any side effects and in total harmony with your religious/ magical/ superstitious beliefs is the promise they fall for. This is the present nature of stigma. It is not about deriding the condition of mental illness, it is come to derision and suspicion of any sane conversation that is scientifically informed.
A person who seeks help has to therefore do it in secret- for an army of 'well wishers' is waiting among relatives, friends and so-called loved ones to dissuade. From taking poison. From getting 'F*****d' up by the Psychiatrist. From drugging your child. telling you instead to use hemp oil.
Welcome to the new age stigma of 'Mental health is important' but 'beware of proper treatment'.
The other alternative; 'THerapy' is very expensive and not freely available due to shortage of trained therapists.
SO an average Indian person is now caught between a rock and a very hard place.
