Mental Health Awareness and Rehabilitation
Mental health challenges and addiction continue to affect individuals, families, and communities across Himachal Pradesh, often without timely support or understanding. At Asha Bhupender Charitable Trust, our Mental Health Awareness and Rehabilitation program is designed to address this gap through education, early intervention, and structured recovery support rooted in dignity and compassion.
We work to create environments where mental well being is understood, stigma is reduced, and individuals are supported through informed, ethical, and community based approaches.
6%
About 6 % of the population in Himachal Pradesh is reported to be under mental stress, according to a statement given by the state Health Minister in the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.
Source: The Times of India
15.54%
A recent state-level survey conducted with the Himachal Pradesh government and NIMHANS showed that around 15.54 % of adolescents and young adults report excessive anxiety, and 6.9 % report depression.
Source: The Tribune
195
Himachal Pradesh had approximately 195 individuals with mental health problems per 100,000 population in a national survey (NSSO), ranking among the higher prevalence states in that report.
Source: Medindia
27%
Government-linked reports show rising drug abuse issues among youth in Himachal Pradesh, with about 27 % of youth involved in drug use, and about 35 % of those using synthetic substances.
Source: Jan Swasthya Abhiyan
Gap
The state currently faces a significant treatment gap, as mental health awareness and access to services (especially in rural areas) remains low, contributing to under-reporting and late care seeking.
Source: IAR Consortium
< 10
Less than 10 government rehabilitation centres serve the entire state of Himachal Pradesh.
Source: Dept. of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of Himachal Pradesh
Professional Counselling and Psychological Support Access
As part of our rehabilitation and recovery framework, individuals and families are guided toward professional counselling and psychological support through ethical referral and collaboration. We recognize that counselling plays a vital role in emotional recovery, addiction support, and long-term mental well-being.
The Trust facilitates access to counselling support through experienced professionals working independently in dedicated counselling centres. These services are not positioned as medical treatment under the Trust, but as professional support options available to those seeking structured guidance and care.
One such professional initiative is Vaishalya Healing, an independent counselling and healing practice led by an experienced mental health professional. The work undertaken focuses on counselling support, emotional well-being, and empowerment.
Visit Vaishalya Healing →The professional work associated with this counselling initiative has been featured in various media publications and public awareness platforms, reflecting its contribution to mental health awareness and community support.
Disclaimer: Counselling and therapeutic services referenced above are provided through independent professional practices and are not direct medical services of Asha Bhupender Charitable Trust.
Understanding Mental Health Challenges
Mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. Some conditions are visible through behaviour, while others remain hidden for years.
Common challenges observed within communities include:
Anxiety disorders, including persistent worry and panic attacks
Depression, marked by prolonged sadness and withdrawal
Bipolar disorder, involving extreme mood fluctuations
Schizophrenia and severe, often misunderstood illnesses
Substance dependence linked with untreated mental health conditions
Without awareness, these challenges disrupt education, family, and dignity.
The Silent Barriers People Face
Despite the growing prevalence of mental health issues, many individuals do not seek help. This is not due to lack of need, but due to powerful barriers such as:
Fear of social judgement and labeling
Misconceptions that mental illness reflects weakness
Lack of mental health literacy in families
Limited visibility of trustworthy support systems
Confusion between counselling, medical treatment, and rehabilitation
Awareness is essential to dismantle these barriers before recovery can begin.
Why Awareness Comes Before Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation cannot exist without understanding. When individuals recognize conditions early, they are more likely to seek guidance and structured support.
The Trust emphasizes awareness by:
Encouraging informed conversations around mental health
Promoting acceptance rather than fear
Helping families recognize early warning signs
Normalizing counselling and psychological support
Reducing stigma around addiction and severe mental illness
Awareness transforms isolation into participation, and fear into action.
Community Voices
Reflecting on our shared journey toward mental well-being.
It is encouraging to see a charitable trust in Himachal Pradesh addressing mental health through education and awareness rather than stigma. Their work contributes meaningfully to changing public perception around mental well-being.
Chandan Thakur
Asstt. Manager Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
I am incredibly grateful for the work this charitable trust does to raise mental health awareness and support those in need. Their compassionate approach, commitment to breaking stigma, and dedication to providing understanding and hope make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Through their efforts, they create safe spaces, encourage open conversations, and remind individuals that they are never alone.
Himanshu Saxena
Solutions Architect Sweden
What stands out is their seriousness and clarity of purpose. Their campaigns are grounded, informative, and respectful, especially in regions where such conversations are avoided. This kind of work creates lasting social change.
Keshav Chander Sharma
Officer Scale-1, PNB Himachal PradeshIn the News
Youth grapple with rising mental health challenges in Himachal
A recent survey reveals alarming anxiety and depression rates among adolescents, prompting calls for urgent mental health interventions.
Read Article →Himachal bets on dedicated centre and more counsellors
The state government announces a dedicated mental health centre and new counsellor appointments to tackle youth wellness issues.
Read Article →Community bonding vital in HP amid limited mental health care
With professional care limited in remote areas, traditional community bonds and village support systems are becoming lifelines.
Read Article →
People unite against drug menace in Himachal Pradesh
A people-centred movement rises to address drug addiction as a social crisis requiring medical, psychological, and community support.
Read Article →Who These Programs Support
Support is provided without discrimination, ensuring accessibility and respect for all.
Individuals
Experiencing mental health challenges
Recovering
People recovering from addiction or distress
Families
Seeking guidance and understanding
Communities
Requiring awareness and early intervention
Underserved
Populations with limited access to care
Working Towards Accessible Mental Health Care
Asha Bhupender Charitable Trust is committed to strengthening mental health awareness and rehabilitation efforts in Himachal Pradesh through responsible, transparent, and compassionate action. By facilitating access to psychological and psychiatric support and promoting informed recovery practices, we work toward a future where mental health care is accessible, stigma free, and community supported.
