30.6
Suicide rate per lakh
Among the highest in India — a public health emergency that demands a coordinated state response.
A people's movement · Kerala
Kerala Alliance for Mental Health — a people's movement for policy reform
കേരളത്തിൻ്റെ മാനസികാരോഗ്യ നയരൂപീകരണത്തിനായുള്ള ഒരു ജനകീയ മുന്നേറ്റം.
A collective movement for mental health policy reform, coordination, and systemic change across the state of Kerala.
Take 2 minutes — write to your MLA or download a printable petition.
The challenge
A capable state. A system in fragmentation.
Kerala has long led India on public health indicators, yet mental health remains a quiet emergency — uneven across districts, under-resourced in policy, and disconnected across the people doing the work.
70%
Treatment gap
The majority of people with common mental health conditions in Kerala do not receive any formal care.
1 in 7
Adolescents at risk
Rising academic stress, screen overuse, and substance use are reshaping youth wellbeing across districts.
Fragmented
System of care
Capable professionals, NGOs, and institutions exist — but coordination, data, and policy remain scattered.
Figures are indicative, drawn from NCRB and NMHS sources. The alliance is working toward a state-specific evidence base.
Why this alliance exists
"Not another organization. A movement."
കേരളത്തിലെ മാനസികാരോഗ്യ ക്ഷേമത്തിനായി പ്രവർത്തിക്കുന്ന വ്യക്തികളെയും സംഘടനകളെയും സ്ഥാപനങ്ങളെയും ഒന്നിപ്പിക്കുന്ന ഒരു പൊതുവേദി.
Kerala already has dedicated professionals, NGOs, academic institutions, and citizens working on mental health. The shortfall isn't effort — it is coordination.
The Alliance exists to create a united public voice while respecting the independence of every participant. We coordinate; we do not command.
Three core demands
What we are asking the state to do — now.
- 01
Revise Kerala's Mental Health Policy
Bring the state policy up to date with the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017; the National Mental Health Policy, 2014; the NCAHP Act, 2021; the WHO Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030; and the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) and current global research — anchoring care in human rights, community settings, and recovery, not custodial or institutional defaults.
- 02
Statewide Mental Health Survey
Conduct a statewise mental health survey and audit as part of the policy revision to get better understanding about mental health concerns, service gaps, and existing infrastructure.
- 03
Dedicated Mental Health Department
Formulate a new Mental Health Department and centralise fragmented mental health programmes spread across different government departments so that services are coordinated, accountable, and delivered effectively
In solidarity with
Supporting individuals, organizations, and institutions
Your name belongs here. Join the coalition →
Add your voice. Become part of the movement.
Whether you work in mental health every day, lead an organization, or simply care — there is a way in.
Updates
Statements, meetings, and field notes
Updating soon
Statements, meetings, and field notes from the alliance will appear here.
Resources
A growing public library
Policy documents, reports, Malayalam awareness materials, and alliance papers — open and free to use.