Dear Twitter India 

Everybody had a democratic right to express their opinion, but only as long as their freedom of speech does not hurt other people. This handle (@KanganaTeam) has made a mockery on the subject of mental health in India, one that has serious repurcussions in a country where the stigma associated with mental health is extreme. The handle commands a large following, and is regularly found to put out toxic, disrespectful and false information. It also serves as a distraction, directing the regular Indian away from issues of national importance to one of mostly fabricated claims.

But the most damaging part, is that it has continuously assaulted the very topic of mental health, mostly depression and anxiety, and has now bought it down to 'Depression is a consequence of drug abuse', statement. This statement is not correct, and only serves to increase the challenges faced by patients of depression seeking help. This stereotyping genuinely makes it hard for people to reach out for help, and access resources which might help them. It also further increases the already enormous stigma associated with mental health and with substance abuse, which are two separate issues which have two very differing courses of treatment. Please suspend this account in public interest. 

 

Many thanks

Citizens of the country who actually care