India Faces Unaddressed Mental Health Crisis, Say Experts

Experts have identified mental health issues as a critical but neglected health crisis in India. They emphasise the need for increased access to mental health resources, greater awareness, reduced stigma, and robust support systems. The Economic Survey 2023-24 has highlighted the rise in mental health problems among Indians, calling for a paradigm shift in addressing this issue.

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Achal Bhagat, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, noted that nearly 20% of Indians live with mental health problems. He pointed out that depression and anxiety are common causes of disability and that there is a treatment gap of more than 80%. Bhagat also mentioned the significant indirect economic cost due to loss of livelihoods for both individuals with mental health issues and their caregivers.

Mental Health's Economic Impact

Shambhavi Jaiman, Consultant Psychiatrist at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, echoed similar concerns. She stated that the impact on productivity is substantial, affecting societal well-being and economic stability. Jaiman highlighted the need for comprehensive solutions to address contributing factors such as work pressure, societal expectations, financial worries, and insufficient support systems.

Sameer Malhotra, Senior Director and Head Dept of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, pointed out that growing consumerism, excessive competition, shrinking social and family support networks, increased pace of life, timeline pressures, and lesser time for self and family are driving the rise in mental health problems globally. He added that a disturbed mindset influences concentration and productivity at work.

Addressing Mental Health Issues

Jaiman stressed the importance of creating a supportive environment where mental health is prioritised. "Creating a supportive environment where mental health is prioritised is essential for fostering a healthier, more productive society," she said. This involves increasing accessibility to mental health resources, raising awareness, reducing stigma, and developing robust support systems.

Meena Mishra, Chairperson of the Brain Behaviour Research Foundation of India (BBRFI), noted that the Economic Survey 2023-24 has for the first time highlighted the impact of the nation's mental health on economic prosperity. She said that although these effects were always present, they were never specifically addressed before. Mishra emphasised the need for a balanced approach focusing on both prevention and therapy.

Need for Comprehensive Solutions

Mishra also called for increasing the number of well-trained clinical and counselling psychologists. She suggested standardising qualifications and registration through a statutory body similar to the National Medical Commission. Additionally, Mishra highlighted the need to increase funding for mental health projects, including CSR funds, as mental health is a crucial component of overall health.

The Economic Survey noted that while India is making positive strides in policy development by recognising mental health as fundamental to overall well-being, gaps remain in existing programmes. "While most of the policy design is in place, proper implementation can accelerate improvement on the ground," it said. The survey also pointed out that lack of awareness about mental health and stigma can render any programme unfeasible.

Breaking the Stigma

The survey called for a bottom-up, whole-of-community approach to address mental health issues. It stated that breaking the stigma starts with recognising the natural human tendency to accept physical ailments while being in denial about mental health issues. "To an extent, the denial is an outcome of fear about social attitudes and social acceptance after one comes out with mental health issues," it said.

The document noted that tackling mental health requires acknowledging this fundamental reluctance. It argued that mental health issues drag down productivity more widely than physical health issues. Therefore, paying attention to mental health is both a health and an economic imperative.

The focus on mental health is a welcome step; however, experts agree that a multipronged approach is needed for significant impact. Mental health and well-being are complex domains often stigmatised in society. Addressing these issues comprehensively will require concerted efforts from all stakeholders involved.