Male Migrant Workers and Mental Health of Their Family Left behind: A Case Study of Kopaganj Town, Uttar Pradesh, India.

This study examines the mental health implications of male migration on the families left behind in Kopaganj Town, Uttar Pradesh, India. Kopaganj, a significant centre for handloom and power loom weaving, has experienced substantial outmigration of male workers seeking better economic opportunities. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research employed semi-structured interviews and surveys to gather qualitative and quantitative data from families of male migrant workers. Data was analysed using ATLAS.ti software to identify key themes related to socio-economic conditions, mental health challenges, and coping mechanisms.

The findings reveal that families left behind, particularly women, experience heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and emotional distress due to economic insecurity and social isolation. The absence of the primary breadwinner places additional emotional and financial burdens on these families, exacerbating mental health problems. The psychological distress is further compounded by structural barriers such as limited access to mental health services and the stigma surrounding mental illness in rural communities. Women, in particular, bear a double burden of household responsibilities and coping with the emotional void left by the migrant's absence.

The socio-cultural context of Kopaganj, including traditional gender roles and limited social support networks, contributes to the vulnerability of families. The study also highlights the inadequacies in mental health services, which are often inaccessible and culturally insensitive, thereby preventing families from receiving adequate care. The analysis underscores the critical need for mental health interventions tailored to the needs of migrant families, including community-based mental health programs and policies that prioritise the mental well-being of migrants and families left behind.

This research contributes to the broader discourse on migration's social and psychological impacts by providing a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between migration and mental health. It advocates for policy frameworks integrating mental health support with migration policies, promoting resilience and well-being in migrant-sending communities.