Imran Khan credits cousin Ira for changing family’s attitude toward mental health: ‘We’re trying to support each other’

Mental health conversations have long been a sensitive topic within many Indian families, often clouded by stigma, misconceptions, or lack of awareness. However, change is possible, as actor Imran Khan recently shared that his family’s attitude toward mental health has shifted, largely due to the influence of his cousin, Ira Khan. 

In an interview with News18 Showsha, he said, “In the past couple of years, at various points, we’ve sat down (and talked). With Ira starting to really advocate for mental health awareness in the past year and me beginning to emerge back into the public eye and speak about my journey, the joke around home is that we now get together and finally talk about mental well-being, consciousness and healthy patterns. It’s now a thing in our family. We’re trying to support each other in our mental health journeys.”

Opening up about mental health is not just about removing stigma; it is about creating an environment where everyone feels safe to express their feelings and seek help. For many Indian families, this may require navigating cultural norms and traditional beliefs that have long dictated how emotions and mental health are perceived.

Practical steps for starting conversations about mental health in families

Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, tells indianexpress.com, “To start meaningful conversations about mental health, families should begin by normalising it in daily life, treating mental health discussions as naturally as those about physical health. Family members can set the tone by openly sharing their own experiences, such as talking about their day, expressing feelings of stress, or discussing challenges at work. This openness helps to remove the stigma associated with mental health and encourages others to speak up.” 

Practicing empathetic listening is crucial; instead of offering immediate solutions, simply listening without judgement can create a safe environment for others to share their emotions. Additionally, families should foster an environment where everyone feels accepted and valued for who they are. This means becoming the non-judgmental listener that each person wishes to have in their own life.

Families must practice self-awareness and unlearning, identifying cognitive biases or thinking errors that influence how they perceive mental health. (Source: Freepik)

Recognising and addressing biases or misconceptions about mental health within Indian families

Many biases and misconceptions about mental health stem from generational conditioning and personal experiences, states Khangarot. “Often, people do not take mental health seriously until they or someone close to them is affected. To create a more open and accepting environment, family members need to acknowledge their own biases, such as the belief that mental health issues are ‘all in one’s head’ or that ‘only the individual can help themselves.’” 

Recognising these biases is the first step toward addressing them. Families must also practice self-awareness and unlearning, identifying cognitive biases or thinking errors that influence how they perceive mental health. This involves challenging deeply rooted beliefs and being open to new perspectives. It is essential to see beyond labels and understand that a person is more than their mental health condition. 

Role of young family members in changing attitudes towards mental health

Young family members, Khangarot says, can play a pivotal role in changing attitudes towards mental health within their families by becoming advocates or ambassadors. “They can break the cycle of silence by initiating conversations and openly discussing mental health topics, thus demonstrating that no one should have to struggle in silence.” 

Sharing personal stories about their mental health journeys can help de-stigmatise the subject and encourage others to reflect on their own experiences and attitudes. By openly talking about mental health, young members can inspire their family to rethink their stance and create a more supportive environment. 

Khangarot mentions, “Additionally, they can help bridge the generational gap, fostering empathy and understanding between younger and older family members, and promoting a culture of openness.”

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