Mental health and infectious diseases like TB are deeply interconnected, yet, our public health systems continue to treat them in silos. Despite mounting evidence, mental health challenges faced by people affected by TB remain largely unacknowledged, unaddressed, and underfunded. In high-burden settings, mental health is rarely treated as a priority. But the reality is stark: mental health has a direct impact on TB outcomes, influencing diagnosis, treatment adherence, recovery, and long-term well-being.

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TB-affected individuals and survivors frequently experience depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, breakdown of relationships, and long-term self-esteem issues, both due to the disease and the stigma that surrounds it. These psychological burdens can deeply compromise their ability to complete treatment and reintegrate into their communities.

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At Survivors Against TB, we focus on uncovering and addressing the complex relationship between TB and mental health. Drawing from the lived experiences of survivors and insights from experts, we’re working to center mental health within TB discourse and policy.

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We’re proud to have developed and launched the world’s first framework on TB and mental health — Addressing The Twin Epidemics [add link] — a critical step toward integrating mental health services into TB care.

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Our advocacy is rooted in people-centered, rights-based approaches. We push for the inclusion of mental health services as an essential part of TB care — not only to improve treatment outcomes, but to ensure individuals and families can rebuild their lives beyond TB.

Because healing from TB is not just physical — it’s mental, emotional, and social.