MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES AMONG RURAL WOMEN AND SUPPORT SYSTEMS: A STUDY IN BANGALORE RURAL
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59415/mjacs.350Keywords:
Rural women, Mental health, Bangalore Rural, emotional support , Access to careAbstract
Women’s mental health is a vital yet underexplored aspect of empowerment and social progress, particularly in rural India. This study focuses on Bangalore Rural, Chikkaballapur. where women encounter multiple barriers to psychological well-being, including poverty, patriarchal norms, limited healthcare facilities, and domestic violence. These stressors often lead to high rates of depression, anxiety, and trauma, while stigma and lack of awareness further restrict help-seeking behavior. Although programs such as the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) and the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) exist, their outreach in rural communities remains inadequate. Informal networks like families and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) provide some level of emotional and social support, but they are fragmented and lack professional guidance. The research highlights the pressing need to strengthen rural mental health services through awareness initiatives, accessible professional care, and community-based interventions. Addressing these gaps is essential for improving women’s well-being, ensuring family stability, and fostering inclusive rural development.
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