A landmark study by The Live Love Laugh Foundation (LiveLoveLaugh) and researchers from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) has broken new ground in challenging the stigma surrounding severe mental illness. Published in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Social Psychiatry, the research provides compelling evidence that individuals with severe mental illness can achieve financial independence when given access to free treatment and community-based support.

The study, conducted over ten months in Jagaluru taluk, Davangere district, Karnataka, examined the impact of a Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) program. This initiative facilitated self-employment opportunities through a one-time grant from LiveLoveLaugh, managed as a revolving fund by a federation of families. Participants were encouraged to engage in locally relevant livelihood activities such as sheep rearing and tailoring, creating a sustainable economic model.

Dr. Shyam Bhat, Chairperson of The Live Love Laugh Foundation and a co-author of the study, emphasized its transformative potential. “By proving that persons with severe mental illness can sustain self-employment, we’re not only challenging stigma but also laying the foundation for sustainable and inclusive mental health interventions,” he said.

The study highlighted how employment opportunities significantly improved the dignity, purpose, and social acceptance of participants. Engaging in work not only alleviated financial stress but also fostered a sense of belonging and reduced stigma. Activities like sheep rearing and tailoring enabled individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities while improving their mental health.

In addition to economic benefits, the program fostered stronger community ties. Families reported increased engagement in local support networks, with participation in monthly federation meetings tripling after loans were issued. This collaborative approach strengthened accountability and provided a foundation for mutual support.

Dr. Murali Doraiswamy, MBBS, FRCP, Professor of Psychiatry & Medicine at Duke University and Trustee of LiveLoveLaugh, highlighted the study’s broader implications. “Using financial and mental health interventions to address the unique challenges faced by persons with severe mental illness, this first-of-its-kind study in India showcases the potential of integrated support systems to break the cycle of poverty, joblessness, and chronic mental illness,” he said.

Anisha Padukone, CEO of LiveLoveLaugh, underscored the transformative impact of self-employment on mental health recovery. “When patients from impoverished families improve on treatment, many start working to meet their and their family’s needs. Self-employment not only reduces economic burdens but also restores dignity and fosters social inclusion,” she said.

The research provides a scalable model for addressing the intertwined challenges of poverty and mental illness in resource-limited settings. While rooted in the experiences of a rural district in South India, it underscores the importance of culturally sensitive, community-driven approaches to promote economic stability, social inclusion, and mental health recovery.

The study was authored by an expert team, including Dr. Thanapal Sivakumar, Dr. Shanivaram K Reddy, Dr. Aarti Jagannathan, Dr. Channaveerachari Naveen Kumar, Dr. Jagadisha Thirthalli from NIMHANS, and Dr. Shyam K Bhat from The Live Love Laugh Foundation. Together, they have paved the way for a more inclusive and supportive mental health ecosystem, demonstrating that meaningful change is possible through innovative and holistic interventions.