Kerala's Kozhikode comes third in the list of cities that show an upward surge of mental health-related searches.

In a very heart-touching scene in the much-loved film Kumbalangi Nights, one of the characters, Saji, seeks the help of his brother to see a therapist as he feels he’s losing his grip over reality. While a lot has already been discussed about the movie, this scene in particular, as a psychologist, is interesting to me. It shows the changing attitudes towards mental health in films and, by extension, in popular culture.

Recent data by Justdial reveals this phenomenon wherein the discourse on mental health is gaining a lot of attention. In the data, Kerala’s Kozhikode comes third in the list of cities that show an upward surge of mental health-related searches.

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The city shows an increase of 29 percent in queries associated with mental health in 2024 as compared to 2023. It also coincides with the growing number of mental health cases, especially in the context of a post-pandemic world. Due to changes in lifestyle, breakdown in family structure, extreme work pressure, lack of access to health care, systemic social issues, and many other problems, the case for mental health has worsened.

However, the situation is not entirely unfavourable. The increased interest in mental health-related issues also signifies another trend: the shifting perception towards mental health. Despite being a non-metropolitan city, Kozhikode has been both cosmopolitan while being rooted in local traditions. There has been a growing awareness of mental health, reducing the stigma in seeking mental health.

There has also been an increase in the number of mental health clinics and counselling centres, like in many other places in Kerala. There have also been conversations around cultural and educational avenues as well as in online spaces. While these discussions need to be carefully considered without falling into the trap of misinformation, this movement is definitely a positive one.

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As a psychologist, while this surge of cases can be alarming, I also view this as a sign of growing awareness towards mental health. While there are still many challenges—persistence of taboos around mental health, lack of access to mental health care, social inequities in the healthcare system, promotion of misinformation., etc.—we can certainly use this opportunity to create a healthier and more progressive society.

By addressing these issues openly with the collaboration of mental health professionals, educators, policymakers, and the community, we can redefine mental health as a social issue rather than an individual concern.

(Henna Ayoob is a highly regarded consultant psychologist and entrepreneur in Calicut, Kerala, who specialises in psychological well-being. With a focus on sleep science, she is known for her expertise in guiding individuals toward optimal mental health. Henna is committed to fostering a healthier and more balanced lifestyle for her clients.)