Dear Friends and Supporters,
I have some wonderful news to share that is quite honestly taking time to sink in for me. The Karnataka government has introduced questions on depression in the check-up booklet for pregnant women and new mothers. This is happening for the first time in history and our petition has had a small but significant role to play. Thank you to all 11,000 people who signed my petition.
As per various media reports, the questions will be printed in “Thayi cards” (a booklet containing health records) which are issued to women seeking maternity services through the public healthcare system. Questions like these will now be a part of routine screening for pregnant women and new mothers visiting government maternity homes.
‘Of late have you been experiencing stress, anxiety and fear?’
‘In the past, have you suffered from or were treated for any mental health issues?’
Why is this a big deal?
Those who are vulnerable can now be identified and given the necessary care, treatment, and support on a timely basis. As a result, the risks associated with unchecked mental illness eg: self-harm, harming the infant, will be minimised.
I wish this had happened sooner because too many lives have been lost. But better late than never, as the saying goes, right? Do leave a comment below sharing your thoughts. I’d love to hear from you.
How this Campaign Helped
The two senior medical experts I was in touch with at NIMHANS were involved in framing the questions. While they advocated for it as experts, my petition helped capture the voice of common citizens. I had also spoken at length to Dr Rajani, the Deputy Director for Mental Health, Govt of Karnataka, who is quoted in this article about the need for such an intervention. She is at the helm of this latest initiative.
This is a huge step in the direction of a world where mental health conversations are normalised and everyone gets the support they need. I want to thank all 11,000 of you who signed my petition and the women who shared their stories in the comments section. We have finally been heard.
Next Step
I am not declaring this a victory just yet because I want to meet the Health Commissioner, whom I had been writing to for 4-5 months, to find out the government’s plans to enforce the use of these thayi cards across the state.
Keep sharing the petition so that people keep signing and the government ensures that the thayi cards are used mandatorily to screen and support expectant and new mothers.
Thank you,
Anvita Nair