How It Buries the Mental Health Crisis Among Indian Women
In a culture that worships the tireless, all-sacrificing “supermom,” Indian women are silently drowning in expectations. They are praised for their ability to “do it all”—raise children, manage homes, succeed in careers, and care for aging parents. But what is rarely acknowledged is the emotional cost of this ideal. The myth of the supermom is not empowerment—it’s erasure.
The Pressure Cooker of Perfection
“I had a job, a toddler, aging in-laws, and a husband who was barely present. Everyone called me strong. But I was breaking inside. Nobody noticed—because I didn’t let them.”
— Meera Sharma, 36, marketing professional, Mumbai
Meera’s story is not unique. In fact, it’s the norm. Many Indian women live dual lives—presenting a brave face to the world while battling anxiety, insomnia, guilt, or depression in private. The need to appear resilient becomes a mask that hides serious mental health struggles.
Case Study 1: Radhika’s Breaking Point
Radhika, a 29-year-old software engineer from Bengaluru, returned to work three months after giving birth. Between night feeds and 10-hour workdays, her energy and spirit were worn thin. “I would cry in the office washroom during lunch breaks,” she said. Her family praised her for ‘bouncing back,’ not realizing she was battling postpartum depression.
“I kept hearing, ‘You’re so lucky to have it all—a baby, a job, a home.’ But no one asked if I was okay.”
— Radhika D., Bangalore
Her turning point came when she had a panic attack while breastfeeding. Only then did she consult a therapist. She was diagnosed with severe anxiety disorder and burnout.
Mental Health Statistics (India):
- According to a 2021 study by the Lancet Psychiatry, nearly 197 million Indians suffered from mental disorders, and women made up over 60% of those affected by depression and anxiety.
- National Mental Health Survey (2016): Only 1 in 10 women with mental health conditions sought professional help.
Case Study 2: Anjali’s Identity Crisis
Anjali was a homemaker for 15 years. After her children grew up and moved abroad, she found herself lost, purposeless, and deeply lonely. “I didn’t know who I was without being a mother,” she confessed. Therapy helped her rediscover her identity—but not before she spent nearly two years in a depressive fog.
“When the people I spent all my time caring for moved on, I felt invisible.”
— Anjali K., 50, Pune
Anjali’s case highlights the emotional aftershock of dedicating one’s life solely to caregiving, a role society encourages women to embrace as their singular purpose.
Time for a Narrative Shift
- Reject the Supermom Myth: Instead of idealizing women who “do it all,” we must normalize setting boundaries and asking for help.
- Encourage Open Conversations: Families must make emotional check-ins a norm—“How are you really feeling?” can go a long way.
- Make Therapy Accessible: Mental health services must be made more affordable and less stigmatized, especially for women post-childbirth, during menopause, or after major life transitions.
“Strong women aren’t the ones who suffer in silence. They are the ones who speak, cry, ask, and heal.” – Pearl Vohra Bhatia
The real strength lies not in how much a woman can endure but in her courage to say she needs care too. Let us dismantle the harmful idea that a woman’s worth lies in her sacrifices, and instead celebrate her for being whole, human, and honest.