World Mental Health Day 

Syllabus: GS2/ Health

Context

• World Mental Health Day is observed annually on October 10.
  • It was first initiated in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH). 
  • This global observance aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and mobilize efforts in support of mental health care worldwide.

About

• India is currently witnessing a surge in mental health disorders. 
• According to The Lancet Psychiatry Commission, over 197 million people suffer from conditions such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse. 
• Economic growth has created new opportunities, but it has also intensified societal pressures and personal expectations. 
• As India’s developmental aspirations rise, mental well-being is often overlooked, fuelling a crisis driven by materialism and a growing disconnect from community and self-awareness.

Causes of Mental Illness

• Exposure to unfavorable social, economic, geopolitical and environmental circumstances – including poverty, violence, inequality and environmental deprivation.
• Over the past few years, the pandemic-led lockdowns and the uncertainties associated with them have had a detrimental effect on mental well-being
• Early adverse life experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse (for example, child abuse, sexual assault, witnessing violence, etc.)
• Use of alcohol or drugs, having feelings of loneliness or isolation, etc.
• Family Dynamics: Dysfunctional family relationships and lack of support systems can negatively impact mental health.
• The growing focus on consumerism, particularly in urban areas, has fostered a culture where luxury and conspicuous goods define status. This leads to feelings of inadequacy, stress and social comparison. 
  • The endless quest for affluence disconnects individuals from the essential elements of a meaningful life trapping them in a cycle of dissatisfaction.

Issue of Lack of Psychiatrists in India

• The World Health Organization’s guidelines state that there should be at least three practising psychiatrists per one lakh population. 
• As per the latest National Mental Health Survey (NMHS), which was conducted between 2015 and 2016, India has only 0.75 psychiatrists per 1 lakh population. 

• Among the BRICS nations, India is one of the two countries with the lowest number of psychiatrists per capita; the other is Ethiopia.
• Keeping aside factors such as attrition and unemployment, it would take India about 27 years to meet the WHO-recommended goal. 
  • If India wants to achieve this mark earlier, it requires policy intervention with adequate incentives to increase supply.  

Government of India Initiatives 

• National Mental Health Programme (NMHP): Launched in 1982, this program aims to improve mental health services through community-based approaches, enhance mental health care at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, and raise awareness.
• Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: The act decriminalised suicide attempts in India and also included WHO guidelines in the categorisation of mental illnesses.
  • The most significant provision in the act was “advanced directives”, which allowed individuals with mental illnesses to decide the course of their treatment. 
  • It also restricted the use of electro-convulsive therapy (ECT), and banned its use on minors, finally introducing measures to tackle stigma in Indian society.

• Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2017: The Act acknowledges mental illness as a disability and seeks to enhance the Rights and Entitlements of the Disabled.
• Manodarpan Initiative: An initiative under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, aims to provide psycho-social support to students for their mental health and well-being.
• Kiran Helpline: The helpline is a step towards suicide prevention, and can help with support and crisis management.
• National Tele-Mental Health Programme: Launched in 2022, this initiative aims to provide mental health services through telemedicine, expanding access to care, especially in underserved and remote areas.
• For the first time ever, the Economic Survey 2023-24 talked about mental health, its significance and implications on policy recommendations.
  • It emphasizes the need for effective implementation to accelerate progress in mental healthcare, addressing existing gaps to ensure maximum impact.

Way Forward

• There is a need for an urgent and well-resourced whole-of-society approach to protect, promote and care for the mental health of people.
  • Killing the deep stigma surrounding mental health issues which prevents patients from seeking timely treatment. 
• Making mental health an integral part of the public health programme to help screen and identify high-risk groups and strengthen mental health interventions like counselling services. 
• Special emphasis on schools: Pay special attention to groups that are highly vulnerable to mental health issues such as children facing domestic or sexual violence.
• Collective action, community as solutions: To address this crisis, we must shift focus from individual success to collective well-being.

• Addressing India’s mental health crisis requires rethinking what it means to live a good life. 
• We must challenge the materialistic notion of success and refocus on mental, emotional, and social well-being. 

Source: TH