Mental Health in India
Context:
The findings from a 2017 study published in Lancet Psychiatry highlighted that around 197.3 million people in India suffer from mental disorders. Of this, 45.7 million with depression and 44.9 million with anxiety.
- The recent Economic Survey also highlighted the increase in mental health issues in India.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Health)
Dimensions of the Article:
- Mental Health in India
- Concerns with Mental Health in India
- Suggested Measures
- Conclusion
Mental Health in India:
- According to WHO, mental health is a state of well-being where a person is able to reach his/her full potential, manage everyday pressures, engage in productive and fruitful employment, and contribute to their community.
- WHO also states that it isn’t just the absence of mental illness but rather an integral part of health.
- WHO estimates that the burden of mental health problems in India is 2443 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 100 00 population; the age-adjusted suicide rate per 100 000 population is 21.1.
- And, the economic loss due to mental health conditions in India between 2012-2030, is estimated at USD 1.03 trillion.
Concerns with Mental Health in India:
- Stigma and Resistance: The fear of being labelled as mentally ill has created a barrier that stops people from acknowledging that they have problem.
- Lack of Resources and Support: Structural incapability of the required resources in mental healthcare of both urban and rural areas have heightened the problem. Lack of trained professionals, insufficient awareness among people, etc., have contributed a lot as well.
- Workplace Stress: The recent increase in number of suicide cases due to high-pressure and uncontrolled stress in toxic work-places is another concern.
- Ignorance about mental health: Majority of the Indian population do not consider mental illness as a problem. Most of them feel it’s a part of life that is common and needs no medication or attention.
Suggested Measures:
- Focus on Early Intervention: Awareness must be created to identify symptoms in the early stages for which, people should be informed in their workplaces or their communities. Mental health cell should be integrated in schools and workplaces as a mandatory part of such institutions.
- Strengthen Mental Health Infrastructure: Investments should be made to improve mental health infrastructure and policies must me made to expand mental illness services to rural and underserved areas. To start with, free consultations should be given to people by also making sure that follow-ups are made time and again to instill the importance of mental health.
- Encourage Workplace Mental Health Policies: Companies should bring policies to create supportive environment and reduce excessive work pressure. It should also penalize any reported misbehaviors that causes mental trauma in their employees.
Conclusion:
Mental health plays a pivotal role for any individual. Both government and the society must work together to address this stigma. Mental health should also be considered a primary aspect of nation building alongside other determinants.
Related Posts
Daily Current Affairs Quiz
Posted on
Joint Sitting of The Parliament
Posted on
