India's Mental Health Crisis: A look at myths and coping strategies

By Priyanka Deshpande Byline: Ekta Batra CNBC-TV18.com Published May 27, 2024

Global Mental Health Concern

[{"selector":"#anim-5d10c711-b54e-4312-bfce-5de0bbd0e9a1 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(34.4601893977513%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Mental health is increasingly recognised as crucial for overall well-being and effective functioning.

India's Mental Health Crisis

[{"selector":"#anim-b91ec520-42ac-4077-8448-df2df4dc4cce [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(-4.528464639844795%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] India faces a severe mental health epidemic, with former President Ram Nath Kovind highlighting the issue in 2017.

Alarming Statistics

[{"selector":"#anim-3f835f13-64cc-4f04-8a5f-2afa5587e1a0 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-12.514648210040342%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Over 60-70 million Indians suffer from mental disorders, with the number of affected individuals surpassing Japan's population.

High Prevalence of Depression

[{"selector":"#anim-3404d442-3409-42ba-9d4c-1a629008a1d0 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(25.068562224149147%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] One in 20 Indians suffers from depression, and nearly 15% of adults require active mental health intervention.

Rising Suicide Rates

[{"selector":"#anim-1458d6fc-2172-488b-afe7-3ac92ad598d1 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] India reported the highest number of suicides globally in 2022, with a rate of 12.4 per 100,000 people.

Stigma and Discrimination

[{"selector":"#anim-4904668b-040d-4ce4-b364-52194b71fd29 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(11.318307206703713%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Dr. Samir Parikh emphasises that stigma prevents many from seeking help, leading to delayed treatment and poor prognosis.

Family and Friends' Role

[{"selector":"#anim-e42baf8a-029c-496d-b18c-aaa851d14976 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-4.122340137780594%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Dr. Parikh urges families and friends to support loved ones with mental health issues and avoid stigmatising treatment and medication.

Awareness and Misconceptions

[{"selector":"#anim-ad0c41bd-18e4-4a3a-91e5-b7f46b992737","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-a987c3c2-4182-488f-9b94-a2712e42bd8a","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Dr. Nirmee Shah notes a positive trend in urban areas where more people are seeking help, but misconceptions still persist.

Mental Health in Elderly

[{"selector":"#anim-1251fda8-c1d8-4ee3-9d0a-02e57777d613 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-5.743018433949622%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Elderly individuals face compounded challenges due to illness, financial strain, and social isolation, making them more vulnerable to mental health issues.

Coping Strategies

[{"selector":"#anim-ae7fea33-edb8-4857-a87d-154088a4f7a5 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(15.699225064798867%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Experts stress the importance of supportive environments, professional help, and open conversations, along with incorporating mental health curricula in schools and workplaces.

[{"selector":"#anim-8e298b45-f2ee-4c94-93e6-8d283c8ea101","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(1)","scale(1.5)","scale(0.95)","scale(1)"],"offset":[0,0.33,0.66,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1450,"easing":"ease-in-out","fill":"both","iterations":1}] Thanks For Reading! Not just women, HPV vaccine can reduce risk of cancer in men, analysis shows Read More