As India celebrated 77th Independence Day, it is equally gratifying to acknowledge that our diaspora in the UK, even those who were ousted some 50 years ago from Uganda have bulldozed their way through the century’s old colonial hangover, class divisions and racism to achieve prosperity.
Our culture propels us to do good, look after one another and preserve the traditions whilst assimilating with the British values. Each generation tries their best to give benefit of their experience and wisdom to the next to transform them into upstanding citizens. We are net contributors to the UK economy, loyal to the country of domicile, employable and peaceful. The praise can go on however there is a hidden price collectively paid by many families, a subject which is not broached over dinner table and society in general wants to keep quiet about it.
Yes, it is mental health.
Whilst among utterly compassionate and sympathetic family and friends towards physical illness, there is reluctance to openly discuss the cause and remedy of anyone suffering from a variety of mental illnesses. According to the Diversity UK Charity, ‘Analysis of over 2,300 British Indians living in the United Kingdom found that 76% of respondents have experienced challenges in accessing mental health services, with many citing inappropriate treatments for their culture as one of the main blockades.’
As to the role of frontline NHS staff, ‘Analysis of access to services found that 86% faced discrimination from their GP, or other professional, while 81% experienced shame and stigma. In addition, 92% reported that GP appointments are too short to successfully diagnose the need for mental health support, with 94% perceiving that services are only available to those who can clearly articulate the need. Concerningly, 60% reported that healthcare professionals assumed that a ‘family support network’ would be available to meet a British Indian’s needs.’
Eshadoot has taken a small step to highlight a real-life story by a young 17 years old talented British Indian girl, brave enough to bare it all for which we are grateful. Not only did she suffer the illness but she has written her account as well as producing a Play the details of which are in next article titled
Tryst with Mental Illness – Siyani’s Story
From a parental perspective, who has had close encounters dealing with the issue following traumatic episode in my family and its lasting effect, I can not over emphasise the urgent need to take note and focus on the debilitating aftermath endured by near and dear ones. Just earning, buying multiple houses, luxurious holidays or praying may bring comfort but not holistically. Active participation in understanding and helping those who suffer will.
Siyani’s drama is aptly called ‘The Expulsion of Exulansis’ performed on 29th – 30th August 2023 from 19:00-22:00 atStudio Spaces, 110 Pennington Street, # Unit 2, London, EIW 2BB
For tickets: https://the-expulsion-of-exulansis-play.eventbrite.com
BY:Desh Premi@Eshadoot.com
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hi, we did research on this mental illnesses. we published an international research paper on how we can reduce these diseases using “sunlight and sunset twilight”. Few doctors in USA are examining on this. sharing here on better purpose. Interested can read this and can apply in one’s life.
http://rajournals.com/index.php/raj/article/view/402/140