World Mental Health Day 2024

Source: PIB 

On 10th October, World Mental Health Day (WMHD) 2024 was observed, bringing attention to the recent workplace suicides that highlight the significant impact of job-related stress on mental health, even among those who appear outwardly successful. 

• Theme of WMHD 2024: Mental Health at Work. 
• Background: WMHD was first initiated in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH). 
  • WMHD, organized by the WHO, aims to raise awareness, promote mental health education, and combat stigma, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being for individuals and communities 
  • Examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviours. 
• Statistics: The Economic Survey 2023-24 emphasizes the need to increase the number of mental health professionals and improve mental health services. 
  • According to the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2015-16, 10.6% of Indian adults experienced mental disorders, with a treatment gap of 70% to 92% across various conditions. 
• Government Initiatives:  
  • The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) 
  • The National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) 
• Policy Recommendations on Mental Health: 
  • Enhancing efforts to raise the number of psychiatrists from 0.75 to the WHO standard of 3 per lakh population. 
  • Sensitization of mental health at the preschool, Anganwadi level to provide precious early identification of disorders.

Read More: Mental Health Initiatives in India