24/07/2025
From Crisis to Care: The Journey of Mr. Santhosh kumar (Name changed)
A Story of Recovery, Reintegration & Purpose
By ECRC – MS Chellamuthu Trust & Research Foundation, Madurai
Mr. Santhosh kumar was just 30 years old when life as he knew it slipped away. Lost in the grip of severe mental illness, he wandered far from home, disconnected from his identity, his family, and even his name. When he was found, he was in a fragile state, disoriented, emotionally unstable, and unable to engage with the world around him. It was through the One Stop Centre that he was rescued and brought to a place where hope begins: the Emergency Care and Recovery Centre (ECRC) in Madurai.
At the time of admission, Mr. Santhosh kumar showed signs of deep psychological distress. He was confused, withdrawn, and lacked the ability to care for himself. The ECRC team, comprising psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, and caregivers, quickly stepped in to build a structured treatment plan tailored just for him.
He began with psychiatric care and medication, but his recovery extended far beyond clinical treatment. With the support of psychosocial therapy, daily routines, and engaging skill-building activities, he slowly began to rediscover parts of himself. He learned to trust again, speak again, and hope again.
Day by day, his condition improved. He started participating in group sessions, interacting with others, and taking interest in small tasks within the center. The team recognized his compassion and natural sense of responsibility and they encouraged it.
Meanwhile, the social work team helped him reclaim his identity. They supported him in renewing his Aadhar card and recovering his educational certificates. These documents were more than paperwork, they were keys to a future he had almost forgotten was possible.
As he grew stronger, a new role began to take shape. He was trained to become a Care Taker—not just as a job, but as a way to support others walking the same difficult path he once walked. Today, Mr. Santhosh kumar works at Udhavum Karangal, a home for homeless individuals with mental illness in Kariyapatti, Madurai.
He now earns ₹14,000 per month and has already saved ₹35,000 in his bank account. More importantly, he lives with purpose and dignity.
“I never thought I would live with purpose again. Today, I support people like me. That gives me strength.”
– Mr. Santhosh kumar
His journey—from crisis to care, from patient to caregiver, is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when timely intervention meets compassion and community support.
His recovery was made possible through our ECRC Project, supported by the Azim Premji Foundation and The The Banyan whose support continues to transform lives across Tamil Nadu.
At MS Chellamuthu Trust & Research Foundation, we continue to believe in holistic rehabilitation, not just treating illness, but restoring life.
