New Delhi: A first-of-its-kind study has revealed that targeted support for self-employment has resulted in financial independence and social inclusion among people living in rural areas with severe mental illnesses.
The study, conducted by the Live Love Laugh Foundation (LiveLoveLaugh) and researchers from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) was published in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Social Psychiatry on December 31, 2024, reported The New Indian Express.
The study challenges existing misconceptions and stigma attached to mental illness and also offers preliminary evidence about the fact that when offered free treatment and local support even people with severe mental illness can use self-employment to build livelihoods.
The study was conducted over a period of 10 months in Jagaluru taluk of Karnataka’s Davangere district and focused on outcomes of a community-based rehabilitation programme that facilitated self-employment opportunities through a one-time grant from LiveLoveLaugh.
The participants were involved in sustainable livelihood activities such as sheep rearing and tailoring.
The study, titled “Outcome of wage and self-employment intervention for persons with severe mental illness availing rural community-based rehabilitation project: Experience from South India”, found that people suffering from severe mental illness demonstrated financial reliability, with three out of ten participant families fully repaying their loans and others showing strong commitment despite challenges.
Three out of ten participating families managed to fully repay their loans while others showed strong commitment despite challenges.
It was also noticed that attendance at monthly family federation meetings tripled after issuance of loan which also bolstered accountability and support networks.
People with severe mental illness who participated in the intervention also attended follow-up consultations more consistently, the study revealed.
