World Mental Health Day

• 11 Oct 2023

For Prelims: World Mental Health Day, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences, National Mental Health Programme, Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres,, National Tele Mental Health Programme

For Mains: Status of Mental Healthcare in India, Government Initiatives Related to Mental Health, Population and associated issues

Source: TH

Why in News?

10^th October marks World Mental Health Day, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues and rallying support for mental health care worldwide.

• In the context of India, this day serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent need to address the mental health challenges faced by the country's burgeoning adolescent population (aged 10-19 years) which plays a pivotal role in its future prosperity and development.
• Theme for World Mental Health Day 2023: Mental health is a universal human right.

Note: World Mental Health Day was established on 10^th October, 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health. Since then, it has been observed every year.

What is the Status of Mental Healthcare in India?

• About:
  • Mental health refers to a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being, encompassing their overall mental and emotional state.
  • It involves a person's ability to cope with stress, manage their emotions, maintain healthy relationships, work productively, and make rational decisions.
    • Mental health is an integral part of overall health and well-being, just as important as physical health.
• Status in India:
  • In India, according to National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences data, more than 80% of people do not access care services for a multitude of reasons, ranging from lack of knowledge, stigma and high cost of care.
    • The economic loss due to mental health conditions, between 2012-2030, is estimated at USD 1.03 trillion (WHO).
• Government Initiatives Related to Mental Health:
  • National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)
  • Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWC)
  • National Tele Mental Health Programme
  • Kiran Helpline
  • Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram
  • Yuva Spandana Yojana (Karnataka)

• Issues Surrounding Mental Health in India:
  • Limited Accessibility to Mental Healthcare: There is a shortage of mental health professionals in India, particularly in rural areas.
    • This scarcity results in unequal access to mental health services, with urban areas having more resources than rural ones.
  • Stigma and Lack of Awareness: Mental health issues in India are often stigmatized and misunderstood.
    • Many individuals and families hesitate to seek help due to fear of societal discrimination and lack of awareness about mental health conditions.
  • Vulnerability of Adolescents to Mental Health Challenges: Adolescence marks the transition from childhood to adulthood, laden with unique challenges, including body image issues and societal expectations.
    • Academic pressure, peer influence, and concerns about the future can significantly affect mental health during adolescence.
    • In India, adolescents with a reported prevalence of severe mental illness stands at 7.3%.
  • Gender Disparities: Gender plays a significant role in mental health disparities.
    • Women in India may face higher rates of depression, anxiety, and domestic violence, and they often have limited autonomy in seeking help.
    • According to recent report of NCRB, housewives constituted 50% of total suicides in India in 2021.
  • Economic Factors: Poverty and economic inequality can exacerbate mental health issues.
    • The stress of financial instability and limited educational opportunities can contribute to mental health problems.
  • Online and Social Media Influences: The influence of social media and online content on mental health is a growing concern.
    • Cyberbullying, social comparison, and the spread of misinformation can negatively impact mental well-being.
  • Aging Population and Geriatric Mental Health: India's aging population is growing, and there is a need for better mental health support for the elderly.
    • Loneliness, depression, and dementia are common concerns among older adults.
  • Disaster and Trauma: Natural disasters and other traumatic events can have lasting effects on mental health.
    • India is prone to disasters like floods and earthquakes, which can lead to trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Way Forward

• Shift to Convergent Model of Mental Health: Policymakers should move from the medical model to a convergent model of mental health that considers various factors influencing well-being throughout an individual's life.
  • For example, the successful implementation of the ‘Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child’ model in the US, which embraces a holistic approach to children’s well-being by considering factors such as nutrition, physical activity, and emotional health within the school environment.
• Increased Mental Healthcare Infrastructure: Invest in building more mental health clinics and facilities, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
  • Train and recruit more mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors.
  • Promote telemedicine and online mental health services to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas and increase accessibility.
• Integration with Primary Healthcare: There is a need to integrate mental health services into the existing primary healthcare system to ensure early detection and treatment.
  • Also, training primary care providers to identify and manage common mental health issues is equally important.
• Inclusion of Mental Health in Education: There is a need to incorporate mental health education into school curricula to promote early awareness and destigmatization.
• Mental Health Insurance Coverage: There is a need to expand mental health coverage under health insurance policies in a phase wise manner to make treatment more affordable and accessible.
  • Also, there is a need to implement policies that ensure insurance parity for mental health services.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question:

Mains

Q. Why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian society? (2023)