Name: Ambika
Father Name: Rajappa
Mother Name: Shivananda
Age: 30
Village: Kumara Chincholi

Family Background:
Ambika lived happily with her father, mother, and younger brother. She has passed her PUC. Earlier, her father worked as a member of the Gram Panchayat, and now he works as a daily-wage laborer. Her mother is a housewife and, due to various reasons, has fallen into depression and is suffering from a severe mental illness.

Reason for the Illness:
Ambika became depressed due to being emotionally involved in a romantic relationship with a boy.

Symptoms:
She avoids talking to anyone, does not sleep at night, screams loudly, disturbs neighbors with her shouting, tries to attack others, and shows strange behavior.

Role & Support of ORBIT Organization:
About 11 months ago, Pooja, a worker from the Navajeevana program of ORBIT, visited their home and discussed Ambika’s condition with her father. He explained how she developed depression. About 12 years earlier, they thought she was possessed by a spirit called “Bhanumathi.” They had shown her to several babas and priests, sold about 2 acres of land and other property to treat her, but nothing worked. She used to cry like someone grieving a death, attack others, and was not aware even when she had her menstrual cycle. Her father expressed his sorrow, saying all efforts had failed and cried profusely.
ORBIT team visited regularly, counseled the family, brought Ambika to the treatment camp, provided Counselling, and ensured she took her medication regularly. Her health has improved significantly.