Introduction

Mental health in India has been a silent crisis long enough, with ignorance and social taboos holding sway. But the reality is appalling—mental health disorders are not just common but are fast becoming a public health crisis. According to a 2020 report by The Lancet, nearly 150 million Indians are affected by mental health disorders, with nearly 14% of the population experiencing some form of mental illness at some stage in their life (Patel et al., 2020).

Imagine hearing that mental health stigma and issues in India have long historical roots, shaped by cultural beliefs, social norms, and limited exposure to proper care? Understanding this history is necessary to address the crisis of the moment and bridge the gaps that keep millions at bay.

The Historical Context of Mental Health in India

Mental health in India was historically not well developed or accorded significance. Ancient Vedic literature refers to a variety of disorders, but they were treated mostly spiritually or with herbs (Seshadri, 2001). During colonial days, mental health care became institutionalized, but asylums were more focused on containment rather than treatment (Sivakumar & Sharma, 2006).

After independence, mental health was accorded low priority and was primarily studied through a moral lens, thus perpetuating mental health stigma. The latter part of the 20th century saw incremental change, with rising awareness and medical advances influencing the response of India to mental health (Patel et al., 2020).

Mental Health Disorders in Modern India

Modern India has a complex mental health landscape, with rising disorders, especially among the youth population.

Depression and Anxiety Disorders

Depression is present in nearly 6% of the population, primarily among the young, due to social demands and stressful lifestyles (Bhatia & Thakur, 2021). Anxiety disorders, including panic attacks and social phobia, also increase due to technological overload and undue demands (Sahoo et al., 2020).

Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia

Both are typically misunderstood. Most attribute symptoms to superstition and not illness, which keeps people away from the right type of treatment (Thara & Patel, 2005).

Substance Use Disorders

Substance abuse is increasing due to social demands and trauma. Treating such disorders requires addiction treatment in addition to mental health care (Patel et al., 2020).

Suicide Rates

India boasts one of the highest rates of suicide in the world, with an estimated 200,000 deaths annually, most resulting from untreated mental illness (Patel & Arora, 2016).

The Barriers to Mental Health Care in India

Increased awareness has still resulted in a range of barriers which prevent access to treatment in India:

Stigma and Cultural Norms

Most view mental illness as a weakness, which keeps people away from care (Bhatia & Thakur, 2021).

Lack of Access to Professionals

India has only 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, far below WHO guidelines, resulting in long waiting lists and sub-standard care (Patel et al., 2020).

Economic Constraints

Mental health care is also unaffordable because insurance only covers therapy or psychiatric care (Patel & Arora, 2016).

Inadequate Infrastructure

Urban cities may have better centers, but rural areas still lack basic mental health facilities (Sivakumar & Sharma, 2006).

Moving Forward: A Call for Change

Breaking India’s mental health crisis requires a multi-faceted response:

• Raise Awareness: Overcome mental health stigma through education and open conversation.
• Improve Accessibility: Expand mental health care, particularly in rural areas.
• Integrate Care: Bring mental health to primary healthcare facilities to make it widely accessible (Sahoo et al., 2020).

Final Thoughts

The path to improved mental health awareness in India is a long one, but by learning from the past and acting now, we can create a more inclusive future. Mental health is not just a personal issue—it’s a social one.

How can we, as a community, shift the conversation from stigma to support? Start the conversation and help create a future where mental health care is available to all.

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References

• Bhatia, M. S., & Thakur, S. (2021). Mental health issues in India post-COVID-19. Journal of Psychosocial Research, 16(2), 95-108.
• Patel, V., & Arora, N. (2016). The state of mental health in India: Challenges and opportunities. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 58(4), 328-335.
• Patel, V., et al. (2020). The Lancet Commission on global mental health and sustainable development. The Lancet, 392(10157), 1553-1598.
• Sahoo, S., et al. (2020). Addressing mental health needs in India: A public health approach. Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 54, 102231.
• Seshadri, C. (2001). Mental health and Ayurveda. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 43(4), 301-306.
• Sivakumar, T., & Sharma, R. (2006). Colonialism and mental health: The Indian perspective. History of Psychiatry, 17(2), 129-143.
• Thara, R., & Patel, V. (2005). Role of non-governmental organizations in mental health in India. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 47(1), 15-18.