TRIGGER WARNING: Contains reference to suicide
Hi,
I am writing to you in light of the recent news of former Karnataka chief minister, BS Yediyurappa's granddaughter Soundarya's death by suicide. According to multiple media reports, police say that her death maybe linked to postpartum depression. I was gutted after reading the news. I heard that Soundarya was a medical professional herself, and thereby more equipped to recognize what she might have been going through.
This goes to show that this is multidimensional problem, that requires a multidimensional solution. Self-education alone will not do the trick, we can only move the needle with change in the dialogue around mental health and policy-change working in tandem.
This was one of the few cases that made it to the papers, given her high profile background. There are thousands of mothers out there, whose stories of struggle are silently buried away in time.
I have gotten back in touch with the Health Commissioner's office for a meeting appointment in the near future, and have already gotten a green signal from the Dy. Director of Mental Health.
I hear the buzz around taking measures around maternal mental health has increased in the government since this news broke. It should not take another high profile incident like this for the government to take notice of this issue.
I urge you to help me ensure that we can save our mothers from this plight. The bigger the number of people standing behind my cause, the more likely I am to get the government's support.
Here is a WhatsApp message you can share with your contacts to urge them to sign the petition:
I will keep you posted on further updates. Thank you for all your support.
Best,
Anvita Nair