As conversations about mental health gain momentum, ITC’s “Feel Good With Fiama Mental Wellbeing Survey 2024,” conducted by NielsenIQ, uncovers a striking paradox. While a remarkable 83% of respondents believe mental health issues warrant no shame, an alarming 81% feel embarrassed to share their therapy journeys. This highlights an ongoing struggle against stigma, revealing that despite increasing awareness, many still grapple with societal judgment.
Financial barriers also loom large, with 77% of participants citing therapy as expensive and 74% indicating inadequate health insurance coverage for mental health services. Yet, there’s a silver lining: a significant 52% of Gen Z respondents express openness to virtual counseling, marking a shift toward more accessible solutions.
In Kohima, growing discussions around mental health are becoming commonplace, yet local residents still hesitate to seek professional help, hindered by fear of societal scrutiny. Advocates in the area stress the necessity for community support to foster a culture where therapy is normalized. To combat these challenges, ITC Fiama is offering subsidized virtual therapy sessions for INR 300. Sameer Satpathy, Divisional Chief Executive at ITC, stated, “Our goal is to make mental well-being a priority, bridging the gap between awareness and action.”