Mental Health
Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences perception, thought, and behavior.
Survey on Adolescent Mental Well-being
Key Findings
- Report: “The Youth Mind: Rising Aggression and Anger” by Sapien Labs.
- Involved 10,475 adolescents (13-17 years) from theS. and India (2024).
- Main Observation: Mental well-being declines significantly with younger age of smartphone initiation.
Declining Mental Health
- Correlation observed between smartphone introduction (2008) and rising mental health issues.
- Symptoms identified:
- Sadness, anxiety.
- Aggression, anger, irritability.
- Hallucinations and detachment from reality.
India-U.S. Comparison
- Decline in mental well-being slower in India, more step in the U.S.
- In India:
- Decline mostly affects females, not males (some male aspects improved).
- Both genders report overall worse mental health than U.S. peers.
- Younger initiation linked to higher health issues, especially for girls (e.g., sleep disorders).
Possible Interventions
- Ed-tech Solutions: Debate over educational technology in early years.
- Parental Controls: Apps that limit phone usage and access for teenagers recommended.
Expert Insight
- Restrictions and monitored use of smartphones may mitigate long-term mental health impacts in adolescents.
Government Initiatives for Mental Well-Being
- National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)
- Launched in 1982 to provide mental health care to all citizens.
- Focuses on the integration of mental health services into primary health care systems.
- Mental Healthcare Act, 2017
- Aimed at ensuring the right to mental health care for all citizens.
- Decriminalizes suicide attempts and mandates mental health care facilities to treat mental health disorders as healthcare issues.
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS)
- A premier institute for mental health education, training, research, and clinical services.
- Provides leadership in mental health initiatives in India.
- National Suicide Prevention Strategy
- Developed to reduce the suicide rate in the country.
- Focus on early identification, intervention, and mental health support services.
- Kiran Helpline (Mental Health Services)
- A national helpline (1800-599-0019) offering free counselling services for those suffering from mental health issues.
- Supports individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders.
- Samarth (Inclusive Mental Health Services)
- Targeted towards mental health care for children, especially in educational institutions.
- Focus on school-based interventions and services to improve students’ emotional well-being.
