One of the aspects of our overall well-being is mental health, and it should not be overlooked. However, it is one of those concerns, the treatment of which is very short-changed especially in India. Although mental health is more and more talked about, it is still a very stigmatized issue, the reason why people still hesitate to see a psychiatrist. When we envision 2025, the only way to fix this is to make a world in which the mental health situation is not the second-class after the physical health. This article will touch upon the present scenario of mental health awareness in India, the most prevalent mental health conditions that people are grappling with, and the ways through which we can get rid of stigma.
The Current State of Mental Health in India
Mental health is a major problem in India because the people there are different and encounter various obstacles. India, a country with a large, heterogeneous population, confronts particular hardships in this area. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India is home to over 56 million people suffering from depression and 38 million people from anxiety disorders. Despite the significant amount of such cases, mental health is still a topic that is off-limits in many parts of the country. This is caused by a lack of understanding and the fact that most people associate a negative attitude with the mention of the health conditions. Hence, the consequence of this is that the patients, in many cases, get late treatment, which plays the role of the problem worsener.
The Indian government has made some strides, such as the passing of the Mental Healthcare Act in 2017 regarding the provision of mental health care and services for persons with mental illness. Nevertheless, so long as these rules and regulations are dificult to put in place, this will still serve as a challenge in rural parts of the country where accessibility to mental health professionals is not met.
Mental Health Conditions in India
The first step towards creating awareness about common mental illnesses in India and breaking the stigma is to understand them. Here are a few popular mental illnesses among people of Indian origin:
Depression
Depression is a prevalent mental health problem in India, seen across all demographics. It is marked by a sense of deep sadness, disinterest in things we love, and fatigue. Depression is a debilitating condition that can profoundly disrupt someone’s ability to go about their lives and, if untreated, lead to fatal outcomes such as suicide.
Anxiety Disorders
India also has a high level of anxiety disorders, including general anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. These conditions are marked by extreme anxiety, fear, and avoidance of particular events. Debilitating anxiety disorders compromise one&’s capacity to maintain relationships, study, and work.
Bipolar Disorde
Characterized by severe mood swings—including episodes of mania and melancholia—bipolar disorder is a mood disorder. Those with bipolar disorder could have fits of great energy and elation followed by spells of profound depression. Managing this condition can be difficult and usually includes long-term therapy.
Schizophrenia
Severe mental illness, schizophrenia impairs clear thinking, emotion management, and interpersonal relationships. Symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking. Managing schizophrenia can be especially difficult, and people with this disease frequently suffer greatly from prejudice and discrimination.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
A mental health disorder, PTSD, might grow after one experiences or observes a traumatic situation. Symptoms are nightmares, flashbacks, high anxiety, and unstoppable thoughts of the event. People who have suffered assaults, natural catastrophes, or mishaps are especially prone to PTSD.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD hampers everyday functioning. Some people reject OCD, but it is a serious psychological disorder that justifies proper treatment.
The Stigma Surrounding Mental Health in India
There is a stigma regarding this in India as society here still does not acknowledge this aspect seriously. Despite the growing awareness, the stigma still persists.
Cultural Beliefs
Many Indians believe that mental health problems are caused by spiritual forces or personal weakness. Therefore, their desire to seek professional assistance is rather limited.
A Lack of Awareness
Most people do not know the signs and effects of mental health diseases; therefore, they are often dismissed or wrongly diagnosed.
Fear of Judgment
People with mental problems fear being called ‘mad’ or ‘weak,’ which hinders them from speaking openly or seeking treatment.
Limited Access to Services
In rural communities particularly, qualified personnel are in short supply. Therefore availability of adequate mental therapy is a major difficulty.
The Role of Awareness in Mitigating the Stigma
Overcoming the stigma linked with this in India starts with raising awareness. Proper means to raise awareness of mental health include:
Educational Campaigns
Widespread educational campaigns run by government and non-governmental groups would inform the general population about typical mental ailments and their treatment.
Teaching about Mental Health in Schools and Businesses
Presenting health instruction in schools and employee wellness initiatives at companies could assist in demystifying talks on mental well-being.
Promoting Open Communication
Inspiring others to openly discuss their mental difficulties free of shame will aid in lowering stigma. Celebrities and influential people sharing stories will really influence others.
Using Social Media
Social media sites can be used to help those in need, raise awareness of mental health, dispel rumors, and give resources.
Government Initiatives and Policies in 2025
The Indian administration has acted in various ways to solve mental health challenges. Among the newer projects are:
The National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)
This program seeks to link primary healthcare with mental health programs.
The Mental Healthcare Act of 2017
This healthcare secures the rights of people suffering from mental disorders and encourages available care.
Tele-Mental Health Services
Online therapy provided by the government is intended to increase the availability of health assistance.
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission will increase access to mental health experts via digital channels.
The Role of Healthcare Professionals
In India, the responsibility of addressing mental health issues rests with psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselor practitioners. Unfortunately, there is an overall undersupply of the health resources in the country. To address this deficit:
- More psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors need to be trained, and frameworks for support need to be embedded in broader healthcare structures.
- There needs to be a higher expenditure on health research and the improvement of facilities.
- The formulation of outreach programs meant specifically for rural community health services is necessary.
How People Can Help Eliminate the Stigmas Surrounding Mental Illness?
People can use social stigma against those suffering from mental disorders to provide an impetus for change in the following ways:
Self- Education
Information about it or the disease can go a long way in eliminating the misconceptions revolving around health.
Empathize with Others
Listening and empowering loved ones to seek help can enable someone struggling to feel heard and validated.
Advocate for Better Policies
Supporting initiatives and policies that aim to improve mental health care have the potential to bring lasting change.
Conclusion
Breaking the persisting stigma surrounding mental health in India is, perhaps, one of the most challenging and optimistic goals to achieve by 2025. It could be made possible by advocating for open conversations, leveraging technology, improving the accessibility of healthcare, addressing traditional beliefs, as well as supporting the legislation pertaining to the health. Such positive efforts could help make our society one that actively encourages people to seek help and makes health care a national priority.
It is crucial to keep in mind that shattering the stigma does not lie on the shoulders of mental healthcare professionals or lawmakers alone. It is a social problem and as such, every individual contributes towards it in one way or another. The more people are willing to talk, emphasize, and understand this, the easier it will become for it to be accepted as an important feature of life.
FAQs
What are Some Common Mental Health Issues in India?
Ans: Some of the most common health issues are bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorder, and depression.
Why is there an Increasing Need for Awareness regarding this in India?
Ans: There is a stigma surrounding mental health problems in India. Creating proper awareness about mental health is the first step towards mitigating this societal stigma.
How to Treat Common Mental Health Conditions in India?
Ans: The best way is to seek professional therapy and mediation. It is also essential to opt for community support and adopt lifestyle changes if required. One should also go for different government initiatives such as NMHP (National Mental Health Program) while consulting psychiatrists and psychologists.
What are Some Misconceptions about this in India?
Ans: A lot of people in India think that mental illnesses are nothing but weaknesses or excuses shown by individuals. Some people, on the other hand, believe that mental illnesses are caused by some supernatural forces, intensifying the stigma in the process.
What is the Role of Families and Friends in Treating Mental Illnesses?
Ans: The role of families and friends in treating the mental illness of an individual is immense. Families and friends are supposed to advocate for medical intervention while offering emotional support.
