Interpersonal Tensions, Stress, Sleep Woes Top Women’s Helpline Calls: NIMHANS Chief

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Edited By:

Karishma Jain

Last Updated:March 08, 2025, 20:51 IST

On International Women’s Day, Dr Pratima Murthy told News18 how common mental disorders disproportionately affect women, stressing the need for a gender-sensitive approach to mental healthcare

Dr Pratima Murthy, Director at the Bengaluru-based NIMHANS. (nimhans.ac.in)

Sleeping problems, low mood, and stress related to interpersonal tensions are among the top concerns discussed by women at national helplines run by India’s premier institute for mental health, the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS).

Dr Pratima Murthy, Director at the Bengaluru-based NIMHANS, told News18 in an exclusive conversation on International Women’s Day that common mental disorders affect women “disproportionately more."

Murthy—who has over three decades of extensive experience in the field of mental health and has been recognised for improving care for persons with mental illness through her work with the National Human Rights Commission—explained: “There has been a growing understanding that there needs to be a gendered understanding of mental health among women from biological, psychological and social perspectives."

NIMHANS, established in 1974, operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

Murthy also highlighted the concern related to an increase in suicide rates among women, especially young girls.

Substance Use Increasing Among Women

Murthy, a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP), Glasgow, told News18 that while substance use is primarily considered a “male-specific problem," it is now increasing among women, “particularly in adolescence."

“Globally, literature suggests that gender ratios are narrowing, with girls also using substances and sometimes initiating use earlier than boys. Generally, sedative-hypnotic use is more common among women, whereas illicit drug use is more prevalent among men," she pointed out.

“Women who use drugs often have underlying emotional problems and face significant barriers to accessing help and support. Many substances, such as alcohol, tobacco, and cocaine, are well recognised for their adverse effects on foetal development if used during pregnancy," she said, adding that factors such as age at initiation, risky injecting practices, stigma, and consequences are more pronounced for women.

“Social Change Is Critical To Respecting Women’s Abilities Outside The Home"

While there are many stages where women need support, Murthy explained that mental health disorders during pregnancy, childbirth, and those related to the menstrual cycle are significant stages when women’s mental health is affected.

“…but women’s mental health extends beyond reproductive health," she highlighted, adding that research in mental health must specifically include women from biological, psychological, and social perspectives.

In fact, changing life stages and roles, greater responsibility of care, juggling multiple roles, and a lack of support are critical factors. “While women have certainly had more opportunities in the last few decades, become more empowered, and contributed more to the workforce, they are also seen to drop out more frequently and remain underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions."

“There are very few examples of women in top leadership positions. It is important to ensure greater participation of women at higher levels," Murthy said, adding that “significant social change is also necessary to recognise and respect women’s ability to contribute meaningfully outside the home."

Stigma Around Women’s Mental Health & NIMHANS Work

Women with mental disorders also face gendered stigma, experiencing delays in seeking help, limited follow-up support, and fewer opportunities, Murthy said.

NIMHANS is undertaking several clinical initiatives, including perinatal psychiatric services, mother-baby inpatient services, specialised services for women with substance use disorders, and urban community health services such as the women’s clinic at the NIMHANS Centre for Well-Being (NCWB).

The institute also provides training through post-doctoral fellowship courses in women’s mental health and online certificate courses in perinatal mental health for obstetricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, and nurses.