International Research Journal of Education and Technology

In India, caregiving for the mentally ill poses a significant yet often overlooked challenge. With a population exceeding 1.3 billion people, India faces a substantial burden of mental illness. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 7.5% of Indians suffer from mental disorders, with depression being the most prevalent. Within this context, the responsibility of caring for individuals with mental illnesses falls largely on family members due to limited mental health infrastructure and cultural norms. However, the caregiving role comes with its own set of stressors and challenges, which can have profound effects on the caregivers' mental, physical, and financial well-being. This essay aims to explore and understand the stress experienced by caregivers for the mentally ill in India, examining its causes, impacts, and potential avenues for support and intervention.