Men’s Mental Health in India: A Silent Epidemic Amplified by Systemic Flaws - RIP to Atul Subhash

In India, men’s mental health is often overshadowed by societal norms that demand unyielding strength and emotional suppression. These expectations, coupled with systemic shortcomings, have dire consequences. The tragic case of Atul Subhash, a young engineer from Maharashtra, highlights not only the internal struggles men face but also the flaws in India's approach to addressing mental health and suicide prevention.

Atul’s untimely death was not just the result of personal despair but also a reflection of the systemic failures in supporting individuals battling mental health issues. Despite his academic and professional success, he struggled silently, underscoring the lack of accessible resources, empathetic policies, and a supportive legal framework for men in distress.

The Flaws in India’s Legal and Support Systems

India’s legal system, though progressive in some aspects, remains inadequate in addressing the mental health crisis, particularly for men:

1. Limited Implementation of Mental Health Policies: The Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 emphasizes the right to mental health and access to care, but its implementation has been inconsistent. Awareness about its provisions is minimal, especially in rural areas, leaving men like Atul without essential support.
2. Inadequate Suicide Prevention Mechanisms: While suicide is decriminalized, the legal and healthcare frameworks to assist vulnerable individuals remain underfunded and understaffed. Suicide helplines and crisis intervention centres are scarce and often inaccessible in smaller cities and rural areas.
3. Bias in Gender Laws: Legal frameworks addressing domestic issues often overlook the plight of men. For instance, while laws protect women from domestic violence, there is little acknowledgement of abuse against men, leaving them vulnerable to emotional and mental turmoil without legal recourse.
4. Lack of Workplace Support: Despite rising workplace stress, Indian labour laws do not mandate comprehensive mental health programs for employees. This oversight perpetuates a culture where men fear stigma and professional repercussions if they seek help.

Breaking the Silence and Addressing the Gaps

Atul Subhash’s case should serve as a wake-up call to address these systemic issues. The solution lies in a multifaceted approach:

1. Legal Reform: Strengthening laws to ensure the proper implementation of mental health policies and expanding gender-neutral protections can help address the unique challenges faced by men.
2. Suicide Prevention Infrastructure: Establishing accessible crisis centres, improving the reach of helplines, and training first responders to handle mental health crises sensitively can save lives.
3. Societal Awareness: Large-scale campaigns to break the stigma around men seeking help can encourage openness.
4. Workplace and Educational Initiatives: Mandatory counselling services in workplaces and mental health education in schools can create long-term cultural change.

A Call for Empathy and Action

Men in India continue to battle societal expectations, personal struggles, and systemic neglect. Atul Subhash’s death is not an isolated tragedy—it reflects a larger, silent epidemic. For true progress, Indian society and its legal framework must prioritize empathy, awareness, and robust mental health infrastructure.

Every life lost is a reminder of the urgency to act. It’s time to ensure that men can seek help without fear, that laws protect and support all genders equally, and that no one is left to struggle in silence.