Help Persons with Mental Illness to meet their needs

Kailash’s Fight Against Addiction and Mental Illness

Early Condition

Kailash discontinued his studies after Class 5 to help his father in farming. Later, he moved to Madhapur village to work at a mill. It was here that he got habituated to smoking Ganja (Marijuana) with friends, which gradually increased to 4 or 5 times a day. This had an adverse effect on his health and he couldn’t perform well at work. He left the job in 2015 and returned home.

He was treated for his addiction but couldn't stop using Ganja. This led to frequent arguments at home, and he would often leave the house for long periods, sometimes staying out until late evening. His father thought that marriage would help him settle down, so the family got him married in 2017. However, his addiction continued unabated. His symptoms worsened - he couldn’t sleep well, wandered outside at night, neglected his daily tasks (ADLs), and despite receiving treatment from a local healer, there was no visible improvement.

Our Intervention

When he was identified in 2024, he was still smoking Ganja, neglecting his daily responsibilities, constantly arguing with family members, wandering outside, avoiding interactions with people, and talking to himself. The volunteer advised the family to seek proper treatment, but they didn’t believe he would get better. Despite repeated visits with the ASHA and AWW workers, the family remained unconvinced. It was only when they explained the situation to them in detail, and pointed out that free treatment services were available that the family began to trust the process.

In April 2022, Kailash was taken to Sonepur Hospital on a mental health OPD day, and his treatment started. He continued his medication regularly for a year, with frequent visits from the volunteer and staff team. Gradually, his symptoms reduced, and he started reducing his addiction to Ganja.

Kailash the bread winner

Knowing that Kailash would need a stable source of income, BNI provided ₹4,000 as livelihood support for dairy farming. Kailash added another ₹4000 from his own savings and purchased a cow. By selling the milk, he earns around ₹3000 to ₹3500 per month. His father and wife assist him with the dairy farming.

Kailash was also enrolled in the pension scheme, where he receives ₹1000 each month. He uses this income for his son’s education and his own treatment.

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