In the overlooked struggles faced by NT-DNT communities, mental health is deeply intertwined with civic rights and mental justice.
From forced migration, lack of basic amenities like water and electricity, to the historical criminalization and political neglect of the NT-DNT, these communities continue to fight for their rightful place in society. This constant struggle erodes not just their physical well-being, but their mental health, too.
Mental Justice demands that we address the root causes of distress within marginalized communities, recognizing the profound mental toll of being denied basic rights like housing, safety, and access to education. Women, youth, and elders carry the brunt of these challenges—each unresolved civic issue is another layer of mental stress, anxiety, and trauma.
In recent dialogues with NT-DNT youth and women, we’ve seen how the fight for basic rights, including sexual and reproductive health (SRHR) and environmental stability, goes hand in hand with the need for mental health support. This crisis is not just individual but collective, reflecting the communities’ long standing fight for dignity and equality.
Let’s advocate for mental justice for NT-DNT communities, recognizing that mental health isn’t just about treatment but about structural change, civic rights, and empowering communities to reclaim their space in the world.
