Case Story: Timely Psychiatric Care Restored Hope for Asha’s Family

Asha Sanjiv Parmar, 28, from Dhanaje BK in Dhadgaon, lives in a household where mental illness has deeply affected multiple members. Two of her siblings also struggle with mental health conditions, leaving the family under constant strain. Her mother, as the primary caregiver, often felt overwhelmed by the responsibility of managing three children with complex needs.

Asha’s condition was particularly severe. She experienced epileptic fits alongside psychiatric symptoms such as sleeplessness, aggression, and delusions. At times she screamed through the night, pulled her own hair, and even hit her mother. Despite medicines from the rural health center, her condition worsened. She stopped eating properly, became violent, and the household atmosphere grew tense and fearful.

In February 2026, the KeSVF field team coordinated her assessment with Dr. Dinesh Valvi, a psychiatrist in Nandurbar. The journey itself was not easy. Traveling from Dhadgaon to Nandurbar meant navigating difficult terrain and long drives through hilly rural roads. Taking three patients together for assessment was a logistical and emotional challenge, but the family persevered with the team’s support. Dr. Valvi emphasized that at least one in person consultation was essential to properly evaluate her condition, after which follow ups could be managed through teleconsultations, reducing the burden on the family while ensuring continuity of care.

The impact was significant. Asha stopped pulling her hair and hitting her mother. She began sleeping better, which eased the strain on her parents. Her appetite improved, and she started eating more regularly. The household atmosphere became calmer, and her siblings felt less afraid. The family expressed deep gratitude, saying that for the first time in months they felt relief and hope. They no longer had to tie her with ropes to manage her aggression, and the household regained a sense of dignity and stability.

Importantly, Dr. Valvi is now consulting with KeSVF’s wider mental health cohort of patients, and this has only strengthened the project. His timely treatment and referrals ensure that families like Asha’s receive professional care when they need it most.