The surge of Covid-19 infections and deaths ravaging India has caused mass devastation across the country that is being felt worldwide. The current crisis has only exacerbated the innate mental stigma among Indians, and the wider Indian community worldwide.
While those in India are experiencing loss, grief, anger and so much more first-hand during this crisis, the Indian diaspora are struggling to cope with the disorienting and often guilt-inducing trauma their native country is experiencing and losing loved ones, while continuing business as usual.
Acknowledging this crisis and the experience of both those in India and the Indian diaspora is a vital action for every workplace. Mind Share Partners has compiled a list of culturally competent resources to support this community, and resources for workplaces and allies to better support their teams and colleagues.
I. Mental Health Organizations And Resources For Indian Professionals And Those In The Diaspora
Organizations for those based in the U.S.
[Organization] South Asian Therapists Home of the largest global community of South Asian therapists, including therapists of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Afghani and Nepali heritage. Here you can find culturally competent South Asian mental health professionals to help you get the support you’re looking for.
[Organization] Asian Mental Health Collective It is the mission of the Asian Mental Health Collective to normalize and de-stigmatize mental health within the Asian community.
[Podcast] The Desi Condition A podcast centered on mental wellness and Desi culture.
[Organization] Asian American Health Initiative The mission of the Asian American Health Initiative (AAHI), part of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, is to improve the health and wellness of Asian American communities in Montgomery County by applying equity, community engagement, and data-driven approaches.
[Organization] Mental Health Talks India An online mental health advocacy platform based in India that creates content around various mental health-related issues, ranging from everyday life struggles to the larger questions around mental health and structural problems.
[Podcast] MannMukti Stories of Stigma: South Asian Mental Health "With our MannMukti podcast series, we aim to connect our listeners with mental health professionals as well as those with lived experience of mental illness."
[Organization] SASMHA SASMHA is a community for South Asian youth across the diaspora who need a space to dialogue and learn about issues key to who they are.
[Organization] SAMHIN South Asian Mental Health Initiative and Network is a non-profit that addresses the mental health needs of the South Asian community in the U.S.
[Organization] The Sukhi Project The Sukhi Project gives users access to mental health providers and online support groups.
[Organization] SEEMA Provides support groups, resources, and workshops for the Muslim community
[Social Media Page] Dil to Dil This social media page aims to lessen the stigma of mental illness in South Asian communities
[Organization] DeQH DeQH is the first national Desi LGBTQ+ Helpline in the United States, that offers free, confidential, culturally sensitive peer support, information, and resources for LGBTQ+ South Asian individuals, families, and friends around the globe.
Organizations for those based in India
[Foundation] Minds Foundation: The Minds Foundation is an Indian nonprofit committed to eliminating the stigma surrounding mental illness through education, training, and providing access to cost-effective, high-quality care.
[Organization] National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences
Psychosocial support and mental health services hotline (Toll-free number: 080 – 4611 0007)
[Foundation] Suicide Prevention India Foundation SPIF aims to create a community-based platform for organizations and individuals involved or interested in awareness creation, self-care, research, advocacy, training and suicide prevention to come and fight suicide together.
[Organization] Anjali Mental Health Rights Organisation Based in Kolkata, the Anjali Mental Health Rights Organisation works to humanize mental health and create awareness about mental disabilities at the grassroots level in partnership with local, state, and national governments.
[Organization] Sangath Sangath is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization working in Goa, and other Indian states, for 24 years. They are committed to improving health across the life span by empowering existing community resources. They address the psychological and social needs of people through comprehensive interventions.
[Organization] Aasra Aasra’s motto is ‘helping people in despair’ and the Mumbai-based organization operates a 24-hour helpline for individuals who are emotionally distressed and suicidal.
[Organization] Manas Manas was founded in 2000 by three psychologists who wanted to work together and change the nature of care for mental disability in India by making it more accessible.
[Organization] Action for Mental Illness (ACMI) India Action for Mental Illness (ACMI) India is an advocacy initiative working for the rights and needs of persons with mental illness.
[Organization] The Banyan A Chennai-based organization, with the goal of approaching mental health through the well-being and development paradigm, and not within the framework of an illness.
II. Organizations Supporting The Covid-19 Crisis In India
American Indian Foundation — AIF is focused on health infrastructure issues and plans to add 2000 portable hospitals across India in the coming months.
Desai Foundation Trust — Desai Foundation Trust’s mission is to empower women and children through community programs to elevate health and livelihood in India & U.S.
US Strategic India Partnership Forum — Currently focused on the distribution of Oxygen, home medical kits, and other medical supplies.
Give India — India launched India COVID Response Fund-1 in April 2020 raising ₹220+Cr from individuals, foundations & corporations.
Oxygen for India — A collective of medical and public health professionals, volunteers on sourcing oxygen for those in need.
Hemkunt Foundation — Hemkunt Foundation Corona Relief and Rehabilitation Support is for informal workers and the underprivileged.
Khalsa Aid International — Aid International is a UK-based humanitarian relief charity providing support around the world to victims of natural and man-made disasters such as floods, earthquakes, famine, and war.
ACT India — A group of entrepreneurs, investors, and executives within the Indian startup ecosystem sourcing oxygen concentrators for those most at risk.
III. Mental Health Articles And Resources For HR, People, DEI Leaders, And Allies
[Article] "Companies scramble to protect their workers from India's Covid surge" Read for examples of leaders taking action within their organization.
[Article] "Corporate India's mental health crisis"
[Article] "COVID strain and its impact on mental health: How ad agencies are helping employees cope with anxiety and burnout" Highlights how India ranks among the top countries experiencing anxiety and burnout during Covid-19
IV. Covid-19 Mental Health Resources For Businesses and Leadership
This visual guide outlines action-oriented tips and company examples to help managers and leaders support employee mental health during this time. The guide can be shared with leaders and managers directly or as a presentation to teams.
Mind Share Partners is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization that is changing the culture of workplace mental health so that both employees and organizations can thrive. We build public awareness, host communities to support ERGs and professionals, and provide workplace training and strategic advising to leading companies.