Alarming!!

Mental disease results from biological, social, psychological, genetic, and environmental factors. Individuals and groups are predisposed to poor physical and psychological health, greater risk for numerous physical and mental disorders, and poorer outcomes when such illnesses arise due to socioeconomic determinants of health.

In India, mental health literacy is the entry point for mental health interventions. A lack of awareness can result in disregarding, misjudging, or ignoring indicators that someone requires assistance. Mental illness terms may have a profound psychological impact and are perceived as condescending, alienating, and stigmatizing.

According to NIMHANS data, more than 80% of individuals in India do not have access to care services for various reasons, including a lack of understanding, stigma, and the high cost of treatment. The actual situation may be more complex, but a start has been made.

According to the World Health Organization, around 7.5% of Indians have mental diseases. The WHO also forecasts that by the end of the year 22, nearly 20% of Indians will suffer from mental illnesses. According to WHO, approximately 56 million Indians suffer from depression, and another 38 million suffer from anxiety disorders.

To make matters worse, the workforce required to treat mental health in India does not exist. Compared to the number of persons suffering from mental health disorders, the country has a severe deficit of psychiatrists and psychologists. According to WHO, there are 0.3 psychiatrists, 0.12 nurses, 0.07 psychologists, and 0.07 social workers per 100,000 people in India, although anything above three psychiatrists and psychologists per 100,000 people is preferable.

India might have a long way ahead, but the path to the destination of good mental health services is in the hands of the government, their schemas, and breaking the stigma to reach there. Life is not always good, but it's not bad. Mental health will and should be a priority for all.

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