International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research  |  e-ISSN: 2582-8940  |  Double-Blind Peer Review  |  Open Access  |  CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

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     2026:7/4

International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research

e-ISSN: 2582-8940 | Open Access

Family and Societal attitudes toward Women with Mental Illness in India: A Systematic Review of Barriers and Support

Reji TR

PhD Scholar in MKU, Tamil Nadu, India

Article Information

Volume / Issue6 / 2 (2025)
Pages28-37
AccessOpen Access

Publication Timeline

  • Received05 February 2025
  • Accepted06 March 2025

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Abstract

Women with mental illness in India face significant challenges due to societal stigma, cultural misconceptions, and familial attitudes that often lead to neglect, discrimination, and exclusion. Mental illness is frequently associated with personal weakness or supernatural influences, exacerbating the marginalization of affected women. Families, while serving as primary caregivers, may also become sources of coercion and neglect due to deep-rooted gender norms and lack of mental health awareness. Societal pressures, such as concerns over marriageability and economic dependency, further restrict women’s access to adequate care and support systems.
Despite policy advancements aimed at improving mental healthcare and protecting patient rights, the implementation of these measures remains inadequate. Structural barriers, including financial constraints, inadequate mental health infrastructure, and the absence of gender-sensitive policies, further hinder progress. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including education, public awareness campaigns, and community-driven interventions. Encouraging open discussions and integrating mental health services within primary healthcare systems can help combat stigma and provide women with the necessary support.
A shift in societal attitudes, coupled with legal and policy reforms, is essential to ensuring dignity, autonomy, and equal access to mental healthcare for women in India. Comprehensive efforts from families, policymakers, and communities are crucial for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. 
 

Keywords

Mental illnesswomen’s mental healthsocietal stigmafamily attitudesdiscriminationgender normsmental healthcare accesscultural perceptionspolicy implementationIndia

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How to Cite

TR, R. (2025). Family and Societal attitudes toward Women with Mental Illness in India: A Systematic Review of Barriers and Support. International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research, 6(2), 28-37. https://doi.org/10.54660/IJMBHR.2025.6.2.28-37

TR, Reji. "Family and Societal attitudes toward Women with Mental Illness in India: A Systematic Review of Barriers and Support." International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research, vol. 6, no. 2, 2025, pp. 28-37. https://doi.org/10.54660/IJMBHR.2025.6.2.28-37.

TR, R. (2025) 'Family and Societal attitudes toward Women with Mental Illness in India: A Systematic Review of Barriers and Support', International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research, 6(2), pp. 28-37. doi: 10.54660/IJMBHR.2025.6.2.28-37.

TR R. Family and Societal attitudes toward Women with Mental Illness in India: A Systematic Review of Barriers and Support. International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research. 2025;6(2):28-37. doi:10.54660/IJMBHR.2025.6.2.28-37

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