Somy Ali: Stigma attached to ignoring mental health has gone on for generations

Actress Somy Ali, founder of the NGO No More Tears, is advocating for greater awareness and acceptance of mental health issues, particularly for victims of domestic violence and rape

In a recent Instagram post, Ali highlighted the stigma surrounding mental health, citing historical figures like filmmaker Guru Dutt and actress Parveen Babi, who suffered from mental health issues and faced societal neglect

She emphasized the tragic consequences of ignoring mental health, mentioning that many well-known personalities, including Robin Williams, could have been saved if mental health had been taken more seriously

Somy Ali urges the public to educate themselves about mental illnesses and to support those who suffer in silence, advocating for mental health discussions to become commonplace

She praised actress Deepika Padukone for her efforts in raising mental health awareness through her foundation, encouraging others to follow suit and break the taboo surrounding mental health discussions

Ali calls for a change in societal attitudes, urging people to stop labeling mental health issues as taboo or uncomfortable topics and to prevent further tragedies like suicides by fostering open conversations

She stresses that unfamiliarity with mental health issues should not lead to stigmatization or avoidance, as understanding and discussion can save lives

Somy Ali's message is a passionate plea to transform mental health into a "norm subject" of discussion, ensuring that future generations do not suffer in silence due to outdated stigmas