Abhivyakti
A youth expression and leadership lab where students build confidence through storytelling, debate circles, and community journalism.
The Challenge
Problem
Mental health in India is facing a significant crisis, and deep-rooted societal stigma, shame
around mental health and resource scarcity continue to prevent individuals from seeking help,
often leading to underreporting.
- Approximately 15% of the adult population requires active intervention for mental
health issues
- Estimated 150 million people need care, yet a massive treatment gap exists due to
stigma, lack of awareness, and limited resources.
- About 13.7% of the population has experienced a mental disorder, with 1 in 20
suffering from depression.
- Nearly 1 in 7 adolescents (10-19 years) lives with a diagnosed mental health
condition.
- India has one of the highest suicide rates globally, with 1.72 lakh deaths in 2022.
- Only 10-15% of people with mental illness receive appropriate care
- There is a severe shortage of mental health professionals, with only 0.75 psychiatrists
per 100,000 people.
- The economic loss due to mental health conditions between 2012-2030 is projected at
USD 1.03 trillion.
Our Intervention
What We Do
- Run free workshops
- Partner for knowledge
On the Ground
Our Work
Sarthi ventured into this area when the world was reeling under the Covid-19 pandemic to spread awareness around mental health. To promote mental, spiritual and emotional health and wellbeing and to form a chain of aware and high-spirited people, Sarthi launched 'REvolve 2021 '- a week-long series of online sessions on topics like Covid anxiety, grief, myths about mental health, impact of social media on mental health and so on. Following its success, Sarthi returned with 'REvolve 2022' impacting more than 300 people through live sessions.
On World Mental Health Day 2021, Sarthi was joined by more than 400 young people
for 'March For Mental Health 2021' in Karnal, Jaipur and Delhi to de-stigmatise the
topic, and promote help-seeking behaviour. In 2022, Sarthi organised awareness events in
Mumbai, Bardhman, Jaipur, Chandigarh and Karnal.
In 2023, Sarthi impacted 180+ youngsters through Mental Health Fests in Bangalore, Delhi, Chandigarh and Karnal.
…cities, … events, … people impacted
Abhivyakti
Get Involved
Want to be part of this work?
Volunteer, intern, or collaborate with us to create impact on the ground.
Join UsMake a difference
Ready to create real impact?
Join a community of young changemakers volunteering, interning, and collaborating to build a better India.