Maharashtra’s Yavatmal District holds an important place for Caritas India’s Community-Based Rehabilitation (CI CBR) program as it transformed Ms. Savita (name changed), a 34-year-old who defied the odds to rediscover hope and healing.

Savita, once burdened by behavioural issues stemming from family tragedies, underwent a remarkable transformation through the dedicated efforts of CI CBR. The program’s intervention, spearheaded by a vigilant Community Educator, swiftly identified Savita’s needs. This led to her admission to the government district hospital, with CI CBR providing crucial financial support for her treatment and travel expenses.

The positive changes in Savita’s life were not confined to the hospital alone. The CI CBR team’s unwavering commitment extended to comprehensive follow-up, ensuring medication adherence, and garnering unwavering support from her family and community. Savita’s inclusion in the village self-help group became a testament to the program’s holistic impact, fostering her engagement in monthly meetings and empowering her to participate in household activities actively.

Beyond individual success stories like Savita’s, Caritas India’s CI CBR program resonates with the broader context of India’s escalating mental health challenges. With an estimated 60 to 70 million people grappling with common and severe mental disorders, and 15% of the population facing mental health issues, the program’s community-based approach stands as a beacon of hope.

CI CBR’s outreach currently touches the lives of 3,555 individuals aged 19 and above, offering vital support for psychosocial disorders. Financial assistance not only covers essential medications but also addresses transportation needs, fostering a sense of community and acceptance. Engagement with families and communities becomes the cornerstone for sustainable change.

Recognizing mental health as both a health and social concern, CI CBR actively has been promoting the issue in different landscapes. Despite legal frameworks like the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 and the Mental Health Care Act 2017, obstacles persist in obtaining documentation for individuals with mental illness. CI CBR, through self-help groups and disabled persons’ organizations, engages in a dialogue with duty bearers to streamline access to essential services, creating a pathway for positive change.

With each success story like Savita’s, there is hope for a brighter future. Caritas India’s commitment to addressing mental health challenges through community-based rehabilitation is not just transforming individual lives but also contributing to a more compassionate and supportive society. As the program continues to evolve and engage, there is a collective optimism that it will play a pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive and mentally resilient India.