Mental Health In India: The Good And The Bad- Know Every Useful Detail

Mental health is all we are finding on our Instagram feed, and listening nowadays! Because without any doubt, this topic of mental health in India has become a vital aspect of overall well-being. And still, it is not often receiving the attention it truly deserves.

In India, discussions around mental health have historically been limited due to cultural stigmas and a lack of awareness. However, in the past few years, we have witnessed a shift, with increasing recognition of mental health issues and efforts to address them.

And today, through the medium of this blog, we will be talking about that only. So, let’s start delving into the current state of mental health in India, and explore both the progress made and the challenges that persist today.

Overview of Mental Health in India

Whenever it comes to mental well-being, many of us fail to comprehend why should we be concerned, or why should we talk more about it! So, let’s look into that;

Why We Should Talk More About Mental Health in India?

Addressing mental health is crucial for several reasons:

• Prevalence of Disorders: A significant portion of the Indian population experiences mental health issues.
• Impact on Quality of Life: Mental health disorders can severely affect an individual’s daily functioning and overall quality of life.
• Economic Burden: Untreated mental health issues can lead to decreased productivity and increased healthcare costs.
• Social Stigma: Open discussions can help reduce the stigma associated with mental health, encouraging more individuals to seek help.

What are the Common Mental Health Issues in India

As per common mental health issues are concerned, we have to look at the report submitted by the National Mental Health Survey of India in 2015-16. Because according to that report, approximately 10.6% of adults in India suffer from mental disorders. And more commonly, such prevalence is higher in urban metropolitan areas (13.5%) when compared to rural regions (6.9%).

Moreover, when we talk about common mental health issues in India, we consider depression, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders. And according to the statistics, notably, depressive disorders affect around 45.7 million people, while anxiety disorders impact about 44.9 million individuals in the country. 

How to Increase Mental Health Awareness in India?

In order to improve the highly needed mental health awareness in India, we have to put our focus on:

• Educational Campaigns: Implementing programs in schools and workplaces to educate individuals about mental health.
• Community Engagement: Utilizing community leaders to spread awareness and reduce stigma.
• Media Representation: Encouraging accurate portrayal of mental health issues in media to foster understanding.
• Training Healthcare Providers: Equipping primary healthcare workers with the skills to identify and manage mental health conditions.

Government Initiatives to Improve Mental Health

Unlike what social media have mentioned, and other critics are repeatedly saying, the government of India is taking numerous initiatives, such as;

Government Schemes for Mental Health in India

The Indian government has launched several initiatives to address mental health, which are listed here;

National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)

Initiated in 1982, NMHP aims to ensure the availability and accessibility of minimum mental healthcare for all. It focuses on integrating mental health services into general healthcare and decentralizing treatment to primary healthcare settings. 

District Mental Health Programme (DMHP)

A component of NMHP, DMHP provides community mental health services and integrates mental health with general health services at the district level. It emphasizes training healthcare professionals and raising community awareness. 

Mental Healthcare Act 2017

This act aims to protect the rights of individuals with mental illness and ensure access to mental healthcare services. It decriminalizes suicide and promotes community-based treatment.

Challenges in Improving Mental Health in India

Despite these initiatives, several challenges persist:

• Treatment Gap: A significant number of individuals with mental health issues do not receive adequate treatment. Factors contributing to this gap include a shortage of mental health professionals and limited access to services, especially in rural areas.
• Stigma and Discrimination: Cultural beliefs and societal attitudes often lead to discrimination against individuals with mental health conditions, deterring them from seeking help.
• Resource Constraints: Limited funding and infrastructure hinder the effective implementation of mental health programs.
• Lack of Awareness: Many people are unaware of mental health issues and the availability of treatment options.

Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues in India. Factors such as isolation, uncertainty, and economic hardships have led to increased cases of anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders. The pandemic has also highlighted the need for robust mental health services and the integration of mental health into disaster management plans.

Conclusion

Addressing mental health in India undoubtedly requires a multifaceted approach that includes increasing awareness, reducing stigma & improving access to care. And as the government is taking crucial initiatives like the NMHP and DMHP as mentioned above, it may have laid the groundwork, but many challenges such as treatment gaps and resources are there, which still need to be dealt with.

And for that reason, what we Indians still need is collaborative efforts between the government, healthcare providers, communities, and individuals, because in the true sense will help us change the game. So, let’s start addressing this crucial topic properly [as it is truly concerning], and join hands together to fight back!