Mental health treatment

There is a significant treatment gap for mental health disorders in India, with estimates suggesting that 70-92% of people with mental health issues do not receive adequate treatment.

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India has a high suicide rate, with the National Crime Records Bureau reporting over 130,000 suicides yearly. Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are major contributors to suicide. Life at crisis times couldn't be seen and understood by struggling people that, as much complicated and hard they feel it is, how beautiful it can be and how simple it can be when we solve our mental issues or learn to handle ourselves or our social circle and attain a mental balance and a basic peace of mind. And unfortunately those valuable lives are lost.

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Mental health issues among youth are a growing concern. A survey by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) indicated that 7.3% of Indians aged 13-17 suffer from mental health issues requiring expert intervention.

Access to mental health services remains limited, especially in rural areas where mental health infrastructure and professionals are scarce. Urban areas also face challenges in terms of affordability and awareness.

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60-70 mn people in India suffer from common mental disorders; stigmatisation & financial barriers prevent timely treatment

When mental health issues go untreated, they have an effect on day-to-day life

Everyone should receive the best mental health care available & be treated with humanity

Mental health professionals who can show empathy towards their patients are required

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Statistics show that 20% of the population suffers from some form of mental health illness symptoms. 50% of mental health conditions begin by age 14 and 75% of mental health conditions develop by age 24.

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Close to 60 to 70 million people in India suffer from common and severe mental disorders. It is alarming to know that India is the world's suicide capital with over 2.6 lakh cases of suicide in a year. Statistics released by the World Health Organization say the average suicide rate in India is 10.9 for every lakh people which is alarmingly high.

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There are just 0.3 psychiatrists, 0.07 psychologists and 0.07 social workers per 100,000 people in India. To compare, the ratio of psychiatrists in developed countries is 6.6 per 100,000 and the average number of mental hospitals globally is 0.04 per 100,000 while it's only 0.004 in India.

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The stigmatisation of mental illness is one of the major hurdles in addressing mental health issues in the population. This is a serious problem that leads to delays in seeking treatment and possible social exclusion and isolation for the ones affected.

limited availability of mental health education and awareness, add to the challenge.

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Sometimes the therapy sessions take a long time and the patient gets tired and disillusioned. Individuals who fear judgment often end up not don’t seek professional help. Since there is a serious dearth of good mental health professionals some people doubt the efficacy of mental health treatment, uncertain if therapy will work.

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Talking about mental health does not cause or increase mental health issues or diagnosis, but rather allows individuals to seek help at lower levels of care

When mental health issues and illnesses go untreated, they affect day to day life, productivity and relationships

Each and every one of us is entitled to receive the best mental health care available and be treated with humanity and respect. 

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We genuinely require mental health professionals who are empathetic towards their patients are non-judgemental

A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry journal revealed that one out of every two people in the world will develop a mental health disorder in their lifetime. According to the study, the most common mental illnesses were mood disorders, such as major depression or anxiety

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According to the study published in Cureus Journal, India is grappling with a high burden of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders.

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The study also revealed that “access to mental healthcare remains a significant concern, with considerable gaps in access to and quality of treatment and limited availability of mental health professionals".

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The National Mental Health Survey indicates that while, nearly 150 million Indians need mental health care services, less than 30 million are seeking care.

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the stigma surrounding mental illness often stems from misconceptions, fear, and a lack of awareness.

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In this situation, it's very important, high time and inevitable to normalise the open discussion about one's mental health in the society and normalise seeking mental health support from a healthcare professional.

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There were more than 1 million mental health professionals working in the United States at present.  The country has 207.4 mental health professionals for 100,000 people. In comparison, India has 0.75 psychiatrists for 100,000 people. However, the guidelines suggest that there should be at least three psychiatrists per one lakh population.

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If we talk about figures, around 20 to 25 percent of the individuals in India have some mental issues and this has seen an increase post-COVID.

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The availability of psychologists in India is also severely lacking, with only about 0.07 psychologists per 100,000 population.

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The treatment gap for mental health issues in India ranges from 70-92 percent, meaning a vast majority of those affected do not receive the care they need.

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acceptance of the illness is the main challenge faced in India and it is still considered a big taboo to talk or share about the illness.

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“‘He is Crazy’ is a statement we all hear if anyone has visited a psychiatrist or consulted a psychologist. To avoid being labelled ‘Crazy’ or ‘Mad’ people do not want to take their children, themselves or any of their family members to see the doctor or a psychologist. Amidst all this, you coming forward to seek a professional help and counseling to solve ur problem is a daring, courageous, strong willed and an outstandingly positive thinking. We are proud that you decide to fight the problem and crisis you are dealing with and stepping forward boldly to openly speak out and solve it to transform yourself and your life and your surroundings.