New storytelling series aims to bring everyday mental health struggles into focus

The Better India has launched a new storytelling series titled 'How Are You, India?' to explore everyday emotional struggles, quiet acts of care, and mental well-being across the country. The project features personal accounts of real individuals and does not offer medical advice or therapeutic prescriptions. For anyone struggling, the helpline Tele MANAS is available at 1-800 891 4416.

Everyday Realities

The series focuses on ordinary people dealing with financial worry, caregiving loads, loneliness, burnout, grief, exam pressure, and workplace stress rather than clinical or dramatic events. It examines how people manage hard workdays, build personal routines, and navigate mental health beyond major cities, including stories from women, tribal communities, migrant workers, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Formats in the project include long reads, short essays, photo stories, and quick pieces, with experts providing jargon-free explanations where needed.

Context

Mental health discussions in media often focus heavily on clinical diagnoses or urban settings, missing the daily emotional weight carried by ordinary people. Platforms like Tele MANAS serve as government-backed helpline resources providing accessible mental health support across India.