Prioritize your Mental Health | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Mental Health Status in India

• Estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) suggest that mental illness accounts for approximately 15% of global disease conditions, with India having one of the largest affected populations worldwide. Consequently, India has been labeled the 'most depressing country' by the WHO. Over the period from 1990 to 2023, one in seven individuals in India has experienced mental illness, ranging from depression and anxiety to more severe conditions like schizophrenia, according to a study.

Significance of Mental Health

• Emotional and mental well-being is crucial as it profoundly influences thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Maintaining emotional health promotes productivity and effectiveness in various spheres such as work, school, or caregiving. It also plays a vital role in fostering healthy relationships, adapting to life changes, and coping with adversity. Mental health encompasses psychological, emotional, and social well-being, impacting daily thoughts, feelings, and actions, as well as decision-making processes, stress management, and interpersonal relationships.

Global Mental Health Burden

• The escalating burden of mental health worldwide exceeds the treatment capacities of both developed and developing nations. The social and economic costs associated with mental illness underscore the imperative of promoting mental health and preventing and treating mental disorders.

Government Action Needed for Healthcare Spending

• The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated psychological issues, including stress, anxiety, depression, and uncertainty, underscoring the need for increased healthcare spending. Budgetary allocations for health must be augmented over time, with adequate funding also allocated to closely related sectors such as nutrition, water, and sanitation. 
• While the central government bears responsibility for enhancing healthcare spending, states must also contribute, with the National Health Policy (NHP), 2017, and the Fifteenth Finance Commission recommending that states allocate at least 8% of their budget to healthcare by 2022.

Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness

• Mental illnesses encompass a range of conditions, including anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, mood disorders, substance use disorders, personality disorders, and eating disorders. The majority of suicides globally are linked to psychiatric issues or these aforementioned illnesses. Stigma surrounding mental illness persists, though it has decreased significantly in Europe, the US, and some developed nations due to awareness programs and scientific advancements. 
• However, stigma remains prevalent in certain parts of Asia and Africa. Historically, individuals with mental illness were often marginalized and institutionalized for societal safety, but advancements in treatment methods over the past few decades have improved outcomes. Respecting the human rights of individuals living with mental illness is paramount, particularly concerning depression and its association with suicide behavior.

Reasons for the Decline in Mental Health

• The primary cause of deteriorating mental health in India is the lack of awareness and sensitivity surrounding the issue. There exists a pervasive stigma attached to individuals suffering from mental health disorders, often labeling them as 'lunatics,' perpetuating a cycle of shame, suffering, and social isolation.
• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 2011, India had only 0.301 psychiatrists and 0.047 psychologists for every 100,000 individuals with mental health disorders, highlighting a significant treatment gap. Approximately 92% of those requiring mental health care and treatment lack access to any form of assistance, further exacerbating the situation.
• The economic burden of mental illness significantly contributes to the treatment gap, rendering mental health care inaccessible to many. Additionally, violations of human rights have been reported in mental asylums and traditional healing practices, with certain practices violating basic human rights, such as poor infrastructure, unclean facilities, and lack of dignity in treatment.

Conclusion

• Addressing mental health awareness and stigma must be prioritized simultaneously to alleviate the burden of mental illness in India. Overcoming societal apprehension and resistance towards mental illness is crucial for individuals to seek the necessary support without fear of judgment or labeling.
• The WHO warns that without urgent action, depression will become the leading global illness by 2030. Therefore, fostering kindness, compassion, and empathy towards one another is essential, recognizing that everyone faces their own struggles, some more silently than others.
• Mental illness is a real, debilitating condition that requires treatment and support. Seeking professional help when needed is imperative, and early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes.
• Industry and private sector companies should establish counseling facilities to support employee mental well-being. Moreover, leveraging big data and crowdsourcing ideas can inform decision-making processes, contributing to more effective strategies for mental health intervention and support.