From Bollywood to Boardrooms: How India’s Elite Are Tackling Mental Health Stigma

Introduction

Mental health in India has long lived in the shadows. Even today, discussions around depression, anxiety, or therapy often spark discomfort among people. But a silent revolution is taking shape - led not from medical chambers, but from red carpets and boardrooms. This is shedding light and bringing general awareness back to the table.

From Deepika Padukone opening up about her battle with depression to corporate leaders investing in employee mental wellbeing, India’s elite are rewriting the narrative around mental health. And many online mental health platforms are meeting this momentum with professional therapy services, workshops, corporate care plans, and holistic approaches to healing.

Bollywood's Role in Breaking Mental Health Stigma

Historically, Bollywood portrayed mental illness either in a comic light or as extreme psychosis. If you take a note of the early portrayal of mental illness in Bollywood, you would very easily notice the lack of proper knowledge and awareness in the same. But a seismic shift began when actress Deepika Padukone publicly spoke about her depression in 2015. Her openness led to the launch of The Live Love Laugh Foundation, which has since promoted mental health awareness across India.

Other celebrities soon followed:

1. Shah Rukh Khan discussed emotional burnout post his shoulder surgery.
2. Anushka Sharma addressed her struggles with anxiety.
3. Yo Yo Honey Singh spoke out about battling bipolar disorder and alcoholism.

Why does this matter?

Celebrities have an enormous influence on shaping public opinion. Their honesty has helped normalize therapy, medication, and conversations about mental health among young Indians. It helps people understand therapy in a relatable way and avoid the alienism surrounding it.

According to a study in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, it was confirmed that public disclosure by celebrities significantly reduces stigma and increases openness to seeking mental health support.

Mental Health in Indian Boardrooms: Quiet Revolution

According to a Deloitte India study, over 80% of Indian employees report mental health challenges, and 47% consider work-related stress to be the main cause. Keeping this in mind, in the last decade, corporate India has woken up to the fact that mental health is not just a personal concern, but a workplace priority. High-pressure environments, long hours, and burnout have made employee well-being a business imperative.

Leading by Example

1. Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group, advocates for empathetic leadership and mental health inclusion in HR policies.
2. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Biocon founder, supports employee therapy and meditation programs in-house.
3. Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys have introduced stress management workshops, digital counselling platforms, and emotional wellness apps.

Therapy is the New Wellness: Rise of Professional Help

One of the most promising signs of progress is the rising demand for professional therapy in India. Gone are the days when therapy was seen as a luxury or a last resort. Platforms like Insights Wellbeing are a part of this new wave. Offering:

1. Affordable, accessible therapy with licensed psychologists
2. Corporate care plans tailored to reduce stress and improve productivity
3. Confidential sessions for individuals, couples, and families
4. Workshops on emotional intelligence, resilience, and burnout

The normalization of therapy among celebrities and CEOs is making it easier for everyday Indians to seek help without shame.

Social Media’s Double-Edged Sword

While platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn have provided visibility to mental health advocates, they’ve also intensified mental health struggles due to unrealistic standards, digital fatigue, and cyberbullying. However, influencers and creators are also using these platforms to promote mental health literacy:

1. Pages like Humans of Bombay share stories of trauma, healing, and therapy.
2. Professionals and advocates openly share mental health journeys and coping mechanisms.

This visibility is crucial in a country where nearly one in seven Indians is affected by mental disorders, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR, 2017).

Key Drivers of Change in India’s Mental Health Landscape

1. Public Figures Speaking Up

Normalizes therapy and reduces societal shame.

1. Corporate Mental Wellness Programs

Improve retention, productivity, and employee satisfaction.

1. Access to Online Therapy Platforms

Breaks geographical and social barriers.

1. Government & Policy Support

India’s National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) and Tele MANAS helpline are encouraging steps.

1. Educated Youth Demographics

Younger generations are more open to vulnerability and seeking help.

Challenges

Despite progress, India still faces hurdles:

1. Shortage of mental health professionals: As per the WHO, India has only 0.3 psychiatrists per 100,000 people.
2. Stigma in rural and semi-urban areas: Mental illness is still equated with “madness” in many parts.
3. Gendered and class barriers: Women and economically weaker sections face greater difficulty accessing help.

That’s why online counselling platforms play a pivotal role, not just in therapy, but in mental health advocacy, education, and accessible services. You can avail the services of the best psychologists in India here.

What Can You Do?

Whether you’re a working professional, parent, student, or employer—you can be part of the change:

1. Start conversations about emotions and mental health at home and work.
2. Use virtual counselling platforms to seek help when needed.
3. Support colleagues or friends dealing with mental health issues with empathy, not judgment.
4. Advocate for better mental health policies at your workplace.

Conclusion

Mental health awareness in India is no longer confined to therapists and NGOs. From the bright lights of Bollywood to the corporate magnates, influential voices are changing the conversation.

Mental health is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Whether you're a CEO facing burnout or a young adult navigating anxiety, our care plans, therapy services, and wellness programs are here to guide your healing journey.

The stigma is real, but so is the change. Be a part of it.

FAQs

Q1. Why is there so much stigma around mental health in India?

A: Cultural beliefs, lack of awareness, and associating mental illness with weakness or “madness” contribute to the stigma.

Q2. How are celebrities helping break the stigma?

A: By publicly sharing their mental health struggles, celebrities help normalize therapy and emotional vulnerability.

Q3. What can corporations do for employee mental health?

A: Introduce Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), therapy access, flexible work policies, and mental health days.

Q4. Is therapy affordable and accessible in India?

A: Yes. Platforms like Insights Wellbeing offer affordable, online, and offline therapy sessions for individuals and organizations.

Q5. How can I support someone struggling with mental health?

A: Listen without judgment, encourage them to seek help, offer support, and be patient.

References

1. Gronholm PC, Thornicroft G. Impact of celebrity disclosure on mental health-related stigma. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci. 2022 Aug 30;31:e62. Doi: 10.1017/S2045796022000488. PMID: 36039976; PMCID: PMC9483822.
2. (2022, September 8). 80 per cent Indian workforce reported mental health issues during the past year: Deloitte survey. ETHealthWorld. Retrieved July 12, 2025, from https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/80-per-cent-indian-workforce-reported-mental-health-issues-during-the-past-year-deloitte-survey/94078117