WORLD MENTAL HEALTH MONTH

Mental Health

According to the World Health Organization (WHO): “ Mental health is a state of well-being where individuals can manage life’s stresses, recognize their abilities, work productively, and contribute to their communities ”.

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH MONTH:

  • Established by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992, with October 10 recognized as World Mental Health Day.
  • Aims to promote understanding of mental health issues, support mental health education, and advocate for improved mental health services worldwide.
  • According to WHO, the theme for 2024 is ‘Mental Health at Work‘ (It is time to prioritize mental health in the workplace)

Importance of Mental Health Awareness

  • Mental health is crucial for overall well-being, impacting quality of life, productivity, and social relationships.
  • Increased awareness helps reduce stigma and discrimination, encouraging more people to seek help.

Challenges in Mental Health:

  • Lack of access to mental health resources, especially in low-income regions and rural areas.
  • High levels of stigma prevent people from discussing mental health openly or seeking support.
  • Global mental health crisis exacerbated by factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, socioeconomic inequality, and conflict.

Common Types of Mental Disorders:

  • Anxiety Disorders: Excessive fear and worry. In 2019, affected 301 million people, including 58 million children.
  • Depression: Persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities. In 2019, 280 million people, including 23 million children, were affected.
  • Bipolar Disorder: Alternating episodes of depression and mania, with an increased suicide risk during depressive phases.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Develops after trauma, with flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened arousal.
  • Schizophrenia: Severe disorder involving distorted thinking and a disconnect from reality, affecting 24 million people worldwide.
  • Eating Disorders: Abnormal eating behaviors related to body weight, like anorexia and bulimia, with serious health risks.
  • Disruptive Behavior & Dissocial Disorders: Persistent defiance or behaviors violating societal norms and others’ rights.
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Disorders that emerge in early development, affecting intellectual and social functions, such as autism and ADHD.

Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders in India

  • National Mental Health Survey:
    • 7% of India’s population suffers from mental illnesses.
    • 6% need immediate intervention.
  • Suicide Rates:
    • India reported 1.71 lakh suicides in 2023, with a suicide rate of 12.4 per 1,00,000.
  • Depression and Anxiety:
    • 56 million Indians suffer from depression, and 38 million from anxiety (WHO).

Key Challenges for Mental Healthcare in India:

  • Low Policy Priority:
    • Inadequate funding for mental health (₹1,000 crore in 2023 against an estimated need of ₹93,000 crore).
  • Inadequate Infrastructure:
    • India has only 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people (ideal: >3 per 100,000).
  • High Treatment Costs:
    • 83% treatment gap, with 20% of households falling into poverty due to mental illness treatment costs.
  • Challenges in Policy Implementation:
    • Gaps in implementing the National Mental Health Policy (2014) and Mental Health Act (2017).
  • Urban-Rural Divide:
    • Mental health services are concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural areas underserved.
  • Stigma and Discrimination:
    • Mental health stigma discourages people from seeking help.
  • Lack of Awareness:
    • Insufficient education and awareness about mental health issues.

The Role of Media and Society

  • Media campaigns and community programs play a vital role in spreading awareness and promoting positive mental health practices.
  • Society can contribute by fostering a supportive environment and reducing judgment or negative stereotypes.

Ways to Support Mental Health

  • Encouraging open conversations, regular mental health screenings, and self-care practices like exercise, mindfulness, and healthy social interactions.
  • Organizations provide support through hotlines, counseling services, and workshops.

Government Steps Taken:

  • National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)
  • Mental HealthCare Act 2017
  • National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS)
  • National Tele Mental Health Programme
  • NIMHANS and iGOT-Diksha Collaboration
  • Ayushman Bharat – HWC Scheme
  • Kiran Helpline
  • MANAS Mobile App

World Mental Health Month emphasizes the need for collective action on mental health, calling on communities, governments, and individuals to prioritize mental well-being. Building a supportive global and national environment for mental health can significantly improve quality of life, making it essential to the sustainable development of societies worldwide.

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