What is the state of mental health care in India and what are the challenges in creating effective and universal access to mental health services? From more investment in government services to rethinking psychology as a social science discipline to asking whether capitalism can be a solution, Paras Sharma's talk presents to us the complexity of the mental health crisis confronting us. Paras is the co-founder and director of The Alternative Story – a mental health startup based out of Bengaluru. He holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling and is soon to complete a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology.

In a career spanning over 12 years, he has worked in hospitals, helplines, corporate mental health organisations and academic institutions. He has helped set up India’s largest counselling helpline run by trained mental health professionals and has also aided in setting up and training government helplines to address violence against women in states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. He has worked with government and non-government organisations at the grassroots in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu to enhance community mental health.

Paras lives with mental and chronic illnesses and is currently engaged in researching and creating awareness on the same This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx