Mental health is a key driver of individual and national development
Why in News:- The National Mental Health Survey 2015-16 found that 10.6% of adults in India suffer from mental health problems, while the treatment gap for various disorders ranges between 70% and 92%
UPSC Syllabus:
Mains: GS 1: Social Issues
Mental Health
• Mental health includes emotional, psychological and social well-being.
• It affects how we think, feel and act, and also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make healthy choices.
• Mental health is essential at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence to adulthood.
Mental Health Status in India
• India is grappling with a significant mental health crisis
• According to the Indian National Mental Health Survey (2015-16), about 14% of India’s population requires active mental health intervention.
• The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that about 7.5% of Indians suffer from major or minor mental disorders that require specialist intervention.
• The country also faces a severe shortage of mental health professionals, with only 0.3 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, which is significantly lower than the global average of 1 per 100,000 people
Reasons for poor mental health status in India
Lack of awareness:
• Mental health issues are highly stigmatised in India, leading to reluctance to seek help.
• There is also a lack of awareness about mental health and its importance.
Inadequate mental health infrastructure:
• India has a severe shortage of mental health professionals and facilities.
E.g. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 3 psychiatrists are required per 100,000 population but in India this ratio is approximately 0.3 per 100,000 population, which is well below the required number.
Economic barriers:
• Mental health services are often expensive, and insurance coverage for mental health treatment is limited.
• E.g. Psychiatrist fees per session range from ₹1000 to ₹5000, making it challenging for many people to access mental health care.
Urbanization and lifestyle changes:
• Rapid urbanization and lifestyle changes, such as increased stress, competition, and lack of social support systems, contribute to the rising incidence of mental health disorders.
Impact of COVID-19:
• The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted mental health globally, including in India
• For example, according to a study, cases of anxiety have increased by 35% to 40% during the pandemic in India.
Harmful effects of poor mental health
Physical health problems:
• Poor mental health is closely linked to various physical health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and chronic pain.
Reduced productivity:
• Mental health disorders can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and absenteeism, which can lead to significant economic losses.
Social isolation:
• Individuals with mental health problems often experience social isolation, which can exacerbate their conditions.
Increased risk of suicide:
• Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety are major risk factors for suicidal behaviour.
• India has a high rate of suicide, which has a significant relationship with mental health disorders.
Steps taken to improve mental health in India
Mental Health Services Act, 2017:
The Act aims to provide mental health services to persons suffering from mental illness and to protect and promote the rights of such persons in the delivery of health services.
Its main provisions
Right to access mental health service:
• Every person shall have the right to receive mental health care and treatment from mental health services operated or funded by the Government.
Right to community living:
• People suffering from mental illness have the right to live in, be a part of and not be isolated from society.
Decriminalisation of suicide:
• The Act decriminalises attempted suicide and ensures that mental health care and services are provided to persons who attempt suicide
Advance directives:
• Individuals have the right to make advance directives on how they would like to be treated for mental illness and who their designated representative will be.
District Mental Health Programme (DMHP):
The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) aims to bring mental health services to the district level and make them widely available.
The programme includes:
1. Early identification and treatment.
2. Training of health workers.
3. Health education about mental health.
4. Provision of services through community participation
Kiran Mental Health Rehabilitation Helpline:
• Launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the Kiran Helpline aims to provide first-line counselling, mental support and essential psychological support to persons in mental distress.
• 24X7 toll-free mental health rehabilitation help Line Kiran (1800-599-0019) has been launched in 13 languages.
Way Forward
• It is important to increase the number of mental health professionals, enhance training programmes and improve infrastructure at all levels of healthcare.
• Conduct extensive awareness campaigns to address mental health issues and educate the public on the importance of mental health
• Integrate mental health services with primary healthcare to ensure early identification and treatment.
• Allocate more funds for mental health programmes and ensure efficient use of resources.
• Encourage research on mental health to collect data, understand trends and design effective interventions
• Leverage technology to provide mental health services, such as telepsychiatry and digital mental health platforms.