Neha Kirpal Turns Four Decades of Caregiving Into Mental Health Advocacy

Neha Kirpal grew up in a family affected by her mother’s serious mental illness.

For years, her family did not know what the illness was or how to get help.

Her mother left home with Neha’s younger brother, and they were away for 10 years.

Later, doctors diagnosed her mother with schizophrenia, and Neha helped manage her care.

She says finding support was difficult, and the experience affected her childhood and adult life.

Friends, therapists, support groups and a supportive aunt helped her.

In 2018, she began building mental health services through an organisation called Amaha.

She also helped create a national alliance focused on mental health.

Kirpal says caregivers need support too, and should make room for their own lives and wellbeing.