India, Oct. 13 -- India has had a big mental health win. For years, mental illness was something to hide. Today, more people are willing to talk about it, and we are slowly moving to a world where 'it's okay to not be okay'. While the narrative on national and social media is an indicator, there is harder evidence too. Tele-MANAS, India's national mental health helpline, has handled more than 47 lakh calls to date. A 2025 survey of young Indians found that 57% had used AI for emotional support.

But telling people to reach out makes a promise: that someone will be there when they do. A 2023 Parliamentary Standing Committee report captured the shortage - just 0.75 psychiatrists per lakh people compared with 3 recommended. We cannot solve t...