Triple Burden of Mental Illness on Women: Illness, Stigmatization and Abandonment

Women perform both productive and reproductive roles in the society. They form the backbone of the care economy. The women with mental illness form a vulnerable section of the society. The social construct of stigma has rendered women helpless without any respite. There is a rise in the instances of abandonment of the mentally ill women. With no acceptance in the society, their population is on the rise among the destitute. This article deals with the reasons as to why the population of abandoned mentally ill women is on the rise Also, despite a long-lasting mental health program and legislation, why rehabilitation of these women is not being done The article also critically reviews the provisions of Hindu Marriage Act, with respect to persons with mental illness. Policy gaps have been identified and recommendations for future have been presented.