Introducing a new anthology called Bandaged Moments: Stories of Mental Health by Women Writers from Indian Languages, which aims to enrich readers' understanding of mental health through deeply human narratives. Edited by Nabanita Sengupta and Nishi Pulugurtha and published by Niyogi Books, the collection presents 26 stories translated from 17 diverse Indian languages. These narratives expose that mental health is intricately linked not just to individual or medical issues but also to societal factors such as poverty, gender roles, and cultural expectations.

Typically, public discussions frame mental health in oversimplified terms. One perspective emphasizes clinical symptoms, while another transforms struggles into motivational rhetoric about remaining upbeat. This anthology disrupts these narratives, choosing not to simplify the complexities of suffering. Instead, it reflects on how pain, isolation, and fear permeate everyday life. The endings of these stories do not always lead to resolution; some conclude in ambiguity, others in melancholy—their authenticity mirrors real-life struggles.

The anthology's characters grapple with emotional distress for various reasons. In the tale Ferns in the Moonlight, a woman feels unrecognized due to failed relationships. Another narrative, Flying Fish, tells of a man who faces isolation as his mind unravels due to schizophrenia. Convert My Bad Karma to Good depicts a woman's silence stemming from fear and shame regarding marriage, while Story of Laughter illustrates how humor can veil emotional pain, yet simultaneously serve as a cry for help.

Moreover, many narratives reveal how societal and familial pressures negatively affect mental health. In Sanjeevani, a young wife endures relentless humiliation regarding dowry, which drives her to contemplate suicide. Bleak Noon portrays a complete breakdown, exacerbated by social hypocrisy and economic hardship, blending tears with laughter.

These narratives reveal that in India, mental health issues often stem from deeply rooted social constructs like patriarchy and economic hardship. It's not merely a medical challenge but a slow-growing affliction within families and daily life. Many characters find themselves unheard, where silence transforms into another layer of suffering.

Some stories offer no tidy conclusions. In Tajmahal, humiliation culminates in suicide from a minaret. In Empty are the Houses of Seasons, a character wrestles with suicidal thoughts but remains undecided, leaving readers with her unresolved anguish. This storytelling approach enhances the anthology's realistic and sincere tone, illustrating that healing is complex and often non-linear.

Ultimately, this anthology urges readers to perceive mental health as influenced by both inner feelings and outside realities. It challenges the notion of simplistic advice like “be strong” or “think positive,” calling instead for empathy and understanding regarding societal change.

While this book may not bring immediate solace, it creates a platform for understanding. By representing varied voices from across languages and regions, it underscores that mental health issues are prevalent, humanizing, and worthy of compassion and attention.