Humanitarian concern
BENGALURU
On the second day of Manotsava 2025, the National Mental Health Festival delved into complex issues such as the coexistence of masculinity with vulnerability, lack of marital intimacy, workplace burnout, and the alarming rise in suicide rates across India.
Discussing the growing emotional disconnect among couples, Dr. Sandip Deshpande, psychiatrist and sexual and relationship therapist, said that the core problem lies in sexual medicine not being recognised as a formal branch by the National Medical Council. “This lack of recognition restricts specialised care and awareness,” he noted.
Clinical Psychologist Dr. Shobha Managoli emphasised the need for clear boundaries in marriage, explaining that interference from in-laws and extended family often affects intimacy and can even lead to psychosomatic issues. She added that while women adapt to new family settings, it is equally vital for the family to adapt to them.
Experts further stressed the importance of normalising help-seeking behaviour for sexual orientation and gender identity issues. With digital platforms, telecommunication-based therapy has become a convenient and accessible option for patients seeking mental health support.
Addressing the theme of masculinity in the Gen Z era, youth influencer Shivam Dutt said, “We want to talk about mental health and masculinity together because if I have a mental health issue and can’t create content, it sets me behind.”
Psychologist and lifestyle coach Sailaja Manacha highlighted that Bengaluru’s fast-paced tech culture and startup ecosystem have worsened workplace burnout. “Capitalism and unrealistic corporate expectations make people chase bigger dreams at the cost of mental peace,” she observed.
An expert panel noted that suicide stems from multifactorial causes. Arjun Kapoor from the Centre for Mental Health Law and Policy said suicides arise from issues such as domestic violence, bullying, caste discrimination, and agrarian distress.
Dr. Naveen Kumar from Nimhans revealed that the Tele-Manas helpline has served over 25 lakh people, including 40,000 suicide-related calls—80 percent from individuals with suicidal thoughts. He added that Maharashtra and Karnataka continue to record among the highest suicide rates in India.
