Mental Healthcare in India, Government Schemes and Initiatives

Mental Healthcare in India

Mental healthcare in India has been gaining more attention in recent years, but challenges remain. While the government has introduced policies like the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017, which ensures the right to access mental health services, the sector is still under-resourced. There is a significant shortage of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists and psychologists, and stigma around mental illness persists.

However, awareness campaigns, the growth of telemedicine, and the involvement of NGOs and private organizations are helping to bridge gaps, offering hope for better access and reduced stigma in the future.

What is Mental Health?

• The WHO defines mental health as “a state of mental well-being that empowers individuals to manage life’s challenges, recognize their abilities, learn and work effectively, and contribute to their community.
• Additionally, the WHO recognizes mental health as a basic human right, essential for personal, community, and socio-economic development.
• Research indicates that positive mental well-being can lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Check Here: World Mental Health Day 2024

Rise in Workplace Suicides

• Global Trend: An alarming increase in suicides among young professionals has emerged, with excessive workplace stress identified as a primary cause.
• Crisis in Japan: The term ‘karoshi’ (death from overwork) is used in Japan, where 2,900 people committed suicide in 2023 due to overwork.
• Statistics in India: According to a Statista report, 11,486 suicides among Indian professionals in the private sector were recorded in 2022.
  • Recent Incidents: In July, a 26-year-old woman executive from a multinational consulting firm took her life due to immense work pressures.
    • In September, a 38-year-old software engineer with 15 years of experience in Chennai ended his life while being treated for depression linked to work stress.
  • These incidents highlight the struggle between outward success and internal mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety.

Reasons for Rising Stress and Anxiety

• The modern emphasis on efficiency and material wealth leads to disconnection from self-awareness and contributes to the mental health crisis.
• Urban Pressures: The pressures of urban living, financial instability, and fierce competition contribute significantly to mental health issues.
  • Many individuals find that material success does not equate to true well-being, leading to feelings of isolation and purposelessness.
  • The focus on profit, efficiency, and cost-cutting leads to immense pressure on employees, resulting in long working hours and stressful conditions.
• Consumerism: A growing focus on consumerism fosters a culture where status is defined by luxury goods, resulting in stress and social comparison.
  • This cycle of chasing material wealth neglects emotional and psychological needs.

Reasons for Poor Mental Health Status in India

• Lack of Awareness and Sensitivity: In India, mental health issues are often not regarded as healthcare concerns.
• Shortage of Mental Healthcare Personnel: India faces a severe shortage of mental health professionals.
  • Example: National Mental Health Survey (2015-2016) highlighted that India has only 0.75 psychiatrists per 1 lakh population.

• Treatment Gap: The National Mental Health Survey 2015-16 showed that 10.6 per cent of adults suffered from mental disorders in India while the treatment gap for mental disorders ranged between 70 to 92 per cent for different disorders.
• Low Budget Allocation: While developed countries allocate 5-18% of their healthcare budget to mental health, India allocates just 1.11% (interim budget 203-24).
• Changed Lifestyle: The increased use of social media has heightened stress and mental illness, particularly among young people.
• Income Inequalities: Individuals living in poverty are at a higher risk of developing mental health conditions.
  • Conversely, those with severe mental health issues are more likely to fall into poverty due to job loss and increased healthcare costs.

Key Initiatives Taken By The Government Of India For Improving Mental Health Care

• National Mental Health Survey (NMHS): Conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru in 2016.
  • Found that approximately 10.6% of adults over the age of 18 suffer from mental disorders.
• District Mental Health Programme (DMHP): Launched as a key component of the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP).
  • Implemented in 767 districts with support for States/UTs under the National Health Mission.
  • Aims to provide:
    • Suicide prevention services.
    • Workplace stress management.
    • Life skills training.
    • Counselling for schools and colleges.
  • Offers outpatient services, psycho-social interventions, continued care for severe mental disorders, drugs, outreach programs, and ambulance services through district hospitals, Community Health Centres (CHCs), and Primary Health Centres (PHCs).
  • Provides a 10-bed in-patient facility at the district level.
  • Over 73 lakh Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and PHCs have been upgraded to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, integrating mental health services.
• Expansion of Tertiary Care Component: Expansion of the NMHP’s tertiary care component to enhance mental healthcare capacity.
  • 25 Centres of Excellence sanctioned to increase intake in postgraduate departments specialising in mental health and provide tertiary treatment facilities.
  • Strengthening of 47 postgraduate departments in mental health across 19 government medical colleges.
  • Mental health services are provisioned in 22 newly established AIIMS.
  • There are 47 government-run mental hospitals in India, including three central mental institutions:
    • National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru.
    • Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur, Assam.
    • Central Institute of Psychiatry,
  • National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP): Launched on October 10, 2022, to improve access to quality mental health counselling and care.
    • 53 Tele MANAS Cells operational across 36 states/union territories.
    • As of October 8, 2024, over 14.5 lakh calls have been handled through the helpline.

Way Forward

• Emphasis should be placed on mental, emotional, and social well-being rather than wealth accumulation.
• Mindfulness programs, social-emotional learning, and community living initiatives are essential to cultivate a culture valuing mental well-being.
• Social policies aimed at reducing inequality and providing mental health support are critical.
• Reassessing Work Culture: Companies should evaluate and adjust their work culture, reducing excessive hours, and embracing flexible schedules and remote work.
• Benefits of Flexibility: Employees with control over their schedules report higher satisfaction and lower stress levels.
• Encouraging Breaks and Vacations: Regular breaks and time off are essential in preventing burnout.
• Providing Psychological Support: Investment in employee assistance programs and access to mental health professionals is crucial. Early intervention can significantly mitigate long-term stress effects.
• Fostering Open Conversations: Creating a culture that encourages open discussions about mental health can help eliminate stigma.
• Training for Managers: Managers should be trained to recognize burnout signs and intervene proactively.
• Mental Health Check-Ins: Establishing routine mental health check-ins and prioritising stress management can foster a healthier workforce.
• Performance Metrics: Companies should shift focus from measuring productivity by hours worked to assessing the quality of work produced.
• Debunking Myths: The misconception that constant busyness equates to productivity needs to be addressed. A balanced work culture benefits both employees and organisations.
• Setting Realistic Expectations: Employers should set achievable goals, and employees must learn to set boundaries around their work hours, including the ability to say “no” when necessary.
• Collective Effort Required: Addressing workplace stress requires collaboration between employees and employers.
• Employee Resilience: Employees can build resilience through mindfulness, regular exercise, and strong social support networks.
• Seeking Professional Help: Prompt professional support is vital when stress becomes overwhelming.

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