Mental Health Advocate Neha Kirpal Shares Caregiving Journey

Neha Kirpal, co-founder of Amaha and the India Mental Health Alliance, has detailed her experience growing up as a primary caregiver for her mother, who suffered from undiagnosed paranoid schizophrenia for over 20 years. Following a decade-long period where her mother was absent from the home, Kirpal navigated the complexities of mental healthcare, stigma, and the emotional toll of family caregiving.

Drawing on her personal history, Kirpal now leads organizations providing mental health ecosystems across India. She emphasizes the importance of community support, professional care, and the necessity for caregivers to establish boundaries to maintain their own well-being and personal identity.

Editor's note: A dense, accurate summary of a lengthy personal narrative, covering the key points of the subject's journey and advocacy.