Mental healthcare in India is an area of growing importance, yet it often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Many people in the country face challenges related to mental health, ranging from stress and anxiety to more serious conditions like depression and schizophrenia. Unfortunately, mental health issues are still surrounded by stigma, making it difficult for those in need to seek help. Access to quality mental healthcare services is limited, particularly in rural areas, and there is a shortage of trained professionals. Addressing mental health in India requires not just better services, but also a shift in how society views and talks about mental well-being.
Tags: GS-2, Governance- Government Policies & Interventions– Health– Issues Related to Children
Why in the news?
- Recently, the National Medical Commission established a Task Force to tackle the mental health and wellbeing issues among medical students following the suicide of 122 students over the past five years.
- The Commission revealed that 27.8% of undergraduate medical students experience mental health issues, while 31.3% of postgraduate students have reported having suicidal thoughts.
Understanding Mental Health:
- Definition:
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is defined as a state of mental well-being that allows individuals to manage life’s stresses, realise their capabilities, perform well academically and professionally, and contribute positively to their community.
- Characteristics of Good Mental Health:
- Emotional stability
- Resilience
- High self-esteem
- Effective stress management
- Positive relationships
- Balanced life perspective
- Mental Health Conditions:
- Mental health conditions encompass mental disorders, psychosocial disabilities, and other mental states that cause significant distress, functional impairment, or self-harm risk.
Common Types of Mental Disorders:
- Anxiety Disorders:
- As of 2019, approximately 301 million individuals worldwide were affected, including 58 million children and adolescents.
- Depression:
- Characterised by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and disinterest in activities.
- In 2019, about 280 million people, including 23 million children and adolescents, were living with depression.
- Bipolar Disorder:
- Depressive episodes may include persistent sadness or disinterest, while manic episodes feature elevated mood, increased energy, talkativeness, racing thoughts, and impulsive behaviour.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
- Occurs following exposure to a traumatic event, characterised by persistent flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened arousal.
- Schizophrenia:
- A severe mental disorder marked by distorted thinking, perceptions, and emotions, often leading to a disconnect from reality.
- Affects approximately 24 million people globally, or 1 in 300 individuals.
- Eating Disorders:
- Includes conditions like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, characterised by abnormal eating patterns and preoccupation with food, body weight, and shape.
- Disruptive Behaviour and Dissocial Disorders:
- Involves persistent behavioural problems such as defiance, disobedience, and violations of societal norms and laws.
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders:
- Behavioural and cognitive disorders emerging during the developmental period, impacting intellectual, motor, language, or social functions.
- Includes intellectual developmental disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders in India:
- National Mental Health Survey (2015-16):
- A comprehensive study by NIMHANS revealed that approximately 13.7% of India’s general population suffers from various mental illnesses, with 10.6% requiring immediate intervention.
- Suicide Rates:
- According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 171,000 people died by suicide in 2022, with the suicide rate rising to 12.4 per 100,000 individuals.
- Depressive Disorders:
- The WHO estimates that around 56 million people in India suffer from depression and 38 million from anxiety disorders, highlighting a severe mental health crisis in the country.
Key Challenges Faced by the Mental Healthcare System in India:
- Low Policy Priority:
- Despite an estimated need exceeding Rs 93,000 crore for mental health, the government allocated only Rs 600 crore in 2019 and Rs 1,000 crore in the latest budget, with most funds directed to tertiary institutions.
- Inadequate Mental Health Infrastructure:
- India faces a severe shortage in mental health infrastructure, with only 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, compared to the recommended minimum of over 3 per 100,000.
- High Treatment Costs:
- The National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) reported an 83% treatment gap for mental disorders, with 20% of households falling into poverty due to spending on mental health treatments.
- Challenges in Policy Implementation:
- The National Mental Health Policy of 2014 and the Mental Health Act of 2017 aimed to prioritise mental health but lack clarity on implementation, resource allocation, and timelines.
- Urban-Rural Divide:
- Mental health services are predominantly concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural populations with limited or no access to care, exacerbating the mental health crisis in these regions.
- Stigma and Discrimination:
- Mental health issues are often stigmatised, leading to social discrimination that discourages individuals from seeking help and exacerbates their conditions.
- Lack of Awareness and Education:
- There is a significant lack of awareness about mental health, leading to misconceptions and neglect. Educational initiatives to promote mental health literacy are insufficient.
Government Initiatives to Improve Mental Health:
- National Mental Health Programme (NMHP): Aimed at improving mental health services and support across the country.
- Mental HealthCare Act 2017: Legislation intended to protect the rights of individuals with mental health conditions and improve care.
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS): A premier institution dedicated to mental health research and treatment.
- National Tele Mental Health Programme: Provides mental health support through telemedicine platforms.
- NIMHANS and iGOT-Diksha Collaboration: An initiative for training healthcare professionals in mental health.
- Ayushman Bharat – HWC Scheme: Integrates mental health services into primary healthcare under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
- Kiran Helpline: A helpline offering mental health support and crisis intervention.
- MANAS Mobile App: A digital platform for mental health services and resources.
Way Forward to Improve Mental Healthcare in India:
- Increase Funding for Mental Health:
- Currently, the mental health budget is approximately 1% of the total health budget, which is inadequate given the significant needs.
- Expand Facilities:
- Develop additional mental health facilities, including community health centres and emergency care units. Enhance access through mobile health units and telemedicine, particularly in rural areas.
- Support Economic Stability:
- Promote employment guarantee programs such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) to provide financial stability.
- Ensure Effective Implementation of Policies and Acts:
- Improve the implementation of mental health policies and establish robust systems for data collection and analysis to inform policy decisions and resource allocation.
- Training and Capacity Building:
- Provide specialised training for primary care doctors, nurses, and community health workers on mental health.
- Increase the number of mental health professionals through educational programs and incentives.
- Learning from HIV-AIDS Initiatives:
- Apply successful strategies from the HIV-AIDS response, including evidence-based interventions, community involvement, and stakeholder participation, to mental health.
- Collaboration and Partnerships:
- Collaborate with NGOs, healthcare providers, and community organisations to expand mental health services.
- Organisations like Banyan, Sangath, and the Centre for Mental Health Law and Policy have made significant contributions.
- Promote Awareness and Recognition:
- Implement policies to improve mental health recognition and awareness, including campaigns and training programs to reduce stigma and encourage early intervention.
Conclusion
Enhancing mental healthcare in India requires prioritising mental health through increased funding, integrating services into primary care, and leveraging technology to broaden access. While the recent task force addressing medical student mental health is a positive step, more comprehensive measures are essential to uphold the right to health and advance Sustainable Development Goal 3 on ‘good health and well-being’.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q1. Which of the following can be said to be essentially the parts of ‘Inclusive Governance’? (2012)
- Permitting the Non-Banking Financial Companies to do banking
- Establishing effective District Planning Committees in all the districts
- Increasing the government spending on public health
- Strengthening the Mid-day Meal Scheme
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- 1 and 2 only
- 3 and 4 only
- 2, 3 and 4 only
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: C
Mains
Q:1 In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss. (2020)
Source: IE
FAQs
Q: What is mental healthcare?
- Answer: Mental healthcare involves services and support for people dealing with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, stress, or more severe conditions like schizophrenia. It includes counseling, therapy, medication, and community support to help individuals lead healthier lives.
Q: Why is mental healthcare important in India?
- Answer: Mental healthcare is crucial in India because many people struggle with mental health issues but often don’t seek help due to stigma or lack of awareness. Proper mental healthcare can improve quality of life, prevent suicides, and help people manage their conditions effectively.
Q: What are the challenges in accessing mental healthcare in India?
- Answer: Challenges include limited availability of mental health professionals, especially in rural areas, social stigma that discourages people from seeking help, and a lack of awareness about mental health issues. Additionally, mental healthcare services are often underfunded.
Q: How is the Indian government addressing mental healthcare?
- Answer: The Indian government has introduced policies like the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017, which aims to protect the rights of individuals with mental health issues and ensure they receive proper care. Efforts are also being made to increase awareness and improve access to mental health services.
Q: What can individuals do to support mental healthcare in India?
- Answer: Individuals can support mental healthcare by raising awareness, reducing stigma, encouraging open conversations about mental health, and seeking help when needed. Promoting mental well-being in communities and supporting mental health organizations can also make a significant difference.
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