Mental health issues are still a stigma in India: Khumesh Patil

Khumesh Patil, 20, is on a mission. He is on a mission on foot to spread awareness under his Stop Suicide Campaign across the country by walking 5000 kms under his startup. He reached Chandigarh Sector 28 Gurdwara on Wednesday by covering a distance of 1550 on foot with the goal of walking 5000 kms from Maharashtra in 21 days. Next, he is headed to Shimla and Leh from Chandigarh.. Two years ago the incident of suicide of his uncle's daughter was a turning point for Khumesh when he decided to champion the cause of mental health and increasing suicide rates across the world.
"Experts and psychiatrists believe that a large part of population that is battling mental health problems and eventually who commit suicide are those who remain silent, and who do not share their problems with anyone. It is necessary that such people should be identified and their problems should be heard", said Khumesh, founder of
Experts believe that the more a person shares his feelings with others, the less depression will the person experience. This can prevent suicide to a great extent.
Baat Karo aims to educate people about suicide risks, raise awareness and promote suicide prevention activities.
Patil said that the stage from till suicide is very delicate and when a person is going through such a phase, if someone listens to him /her or understands their intention, suicide can be prevented. "This is exactly why 90 percent of people who attempt suicide do not want to die but as they become a victim of depression, they end up taking such steps," he added.