Punjab, India, is grappling with a severe mental health crisis, as there are no government-run facilities for individuals suffering from mental illnesses. Families are left to care for their loved ones, despite the legal framework established by the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017, which mandates community-based support. A survey conducted by the Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, revealed that approximately 12.83 lakh adults were living with mental illnesses in 2016, with a lifetime prevalence of 17.94% for mental health conditions. The lack of awareness and access to treatment has resulted in many cases going untreated. Activists have criticized the Punjab government's failure to implement key provisions of the Act, such as establishing group homes for those with severe mental illness. The Punjab and Haryana High Court has urged the state to take action, yet more than 10 months later, necessary rules remain pending. While other Indian states like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have developed networks for mental health support, Punjab continues to lag behind, leaving families to shoulder the burden of care.