Mental health problems and chrnoci diseases (such as diseases associated with growing old) are teh leading cause of suffering and impoverishment in India. This large burden is compounded by a perverse stigma that is associated with mental health problems.
Sangath has been a pioneer in combating this situation by studying mental health problems, developing and evaluating new models of mental health care through lay counsellors, and working with non-governmental organisations and government partners to take such models of care to impact the lives of people affected by mental health problems in several parts of the country.
Recently, Sangath has also begun a range of projects addressing chronic diseases, in particular those associated with ageing. Our dream is to ultimately integrate the care for mental health problems and chronic diseases through community-oriented services which expand the role of healthcare in reducing illness and enhancing wellness.
