On every Wednesday, 25-year-old Abhay (name changed) sets out from his humble one room home, where he lives at the mercy of his brother-in-law. He takes a 9 am bus, uses Rs. 20 travel allowance to buy a ticket and hears Bollywood songs on his way. He gets down at his stop near Grant Road and walks down a little lane to find the right little nook with a staircase that leads up to MANAV Foundation’s rehabilitation centre - the only one of its kind in Mumbai.

Abhay is part of a group of beneficiaries from lower-income backgrounds supported by MANAV Foundation. Each of them suffers from a different kind of an illness - from Bipolar Disorder to Schizophrenia. MANAV Foundation's two-fold approach helps each of the patients with individual therapy as well as group therapy through music, art and drama.

For households like his where basic health costs are a luxury, supporting the life-long treatment of a mentally ill person, is unthinkable. Like Abhay, most are abused and abandoned by their families, or even worse sometimes left on the streets to fend for themselves or chained to furniture in their homes so they don’t cause “trouble.” 

MANAV Foundation’s inclusive programs allow for a sliding fee structure where patients are charged, or sometimes taken in at the bare minimum charge, according to their economic status. Over and above that, MANAV Foundation tries its best to encourage them to attend all sessions by providing food and travel allowances.

Sometimes, they also have to step in to help during emergencies, like with Abhay. After months of abuse at home, Abhay found himself on the streets. He was thrown out of his own house by his brother-in-law who, being aware of Abhay’s condition, saw an opportunity to usurp Abhay and get rid of the “pagal aadmi” (mad man). Almost overnight MANAV Foundation had to work to reach out to a homeless shelter that gave him a roof. With almost no means to pay, MANAV Foundation had to support him completely without any fee.

Awareness and Social Stigma
 Apart from one’s economical challenges, another aspect that haunts patients with serious Mental Illnesses is lack of awareness - that often leaves space for superstition. The idea that a mentally ill person is “possessed” or even “blessed” delays or in some cases completely prevents the treatment. MANAV Foundation has worked for 14 long years and has reached out to thousands of people to spread awareness on Mental Illness and how to deal with it. Their Sahyog program allows them to interact with family members of the patient and teach them how to create the best environment for proper care.

But where does therapy lead to?
For most, Mental Illness is a life-long battle with no “cure”. Those with mental illnesses often tend to stay aloof and away from people, largely due to fear. With therapy, individuals develop the ability to understand and accept their illness, as well as express their aims, desires, emotions and thoughts effectively. MANAV Foundation’s Swayam program provides them with not just vocational training to help them lead independent, productive lives, but also helps them develop social skills so they integrate into society better.

We need many more MANAV Foundations!

In the wake of this, we need many more rehabilitation centres like Manav Rehabilitation Centre. Your help can not only enable MANAV Foundation to help more patients who need urgent aid, but also start more centres where those who can’t afford treatment, or are thrown out by their families, can find refuge and care.