14-November-2024-Special-Article

MENTAL HEALTH IN INDIA: ADDRESSING A GROWING CRISIS

Mental health in India is an urgent public health issue, recently highlighted by the Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India 2021 report. This report brings attention to the deepening mental health challenges in India, particularly underscoring a high rate of suicides among men and the limited access to mental healthcare.

Factors Contributing to India’s Mental Health Crisis

Concerning Statistics:

• Suicide Rates: As per the National Crime Records Bureau, men make up 5% of suicides, revealing a substantial mental health issue. In 2021 alone, 73,900 more men than women died by suicide.
• Age Disparity: Suicide rates are particularly high among men aged 18-59, with a 7% rise in suicides among daily wage earners from 2014 to 2021.

Impact of Societal Norms:

• Cultural Expectations: Indian societal norms often discourage men from expressing emotional issues, as strength and resilience are traditionally valued. This can prevent men from seeking help.
• Different Coping Styles: Men may externalize issues through aggression or substance use, while women tend to seek support from social networks. Men may be less likely to reach out, contributing to higher suicide rates.
• Varying Mental Health Disorders: Although men have higher suicide rates, mental health conditions like anxiety and depression are more commonly reported among women.

Physiological and Psychological Differences:

• Stress Responses: Men often respond to stress with a “fight or flight” response, releasing hormones such as cortisol, which can lead to isolation.
• Women, on the other hand, tend to seek social support during stressful times due to oxytocin, promoting “tend and befriend” behaviours.

Current Status of Mental Healthcare in India

Prevalence and Accessibility:

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health issues in India lead to 2,443 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost per 100,000 people, and the suicide rate is 1 per 100,000.
• The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences reports that over 80% of people lack access to mental health services.
• The National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2015-16 found that 6% of adults experience mental disorders, with a treatment gap ranging from 70% to 92%.

Legal Framework:

• Mental Healthcare Act 2017: This Act aims to protect the rights of people with mental illnesses, aligning with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities.
• It also limits punishment for attempted suicide, except in certain situations involving public servant duties.

Government Initiatives to Improve Mental Health

National Mental Health Program (NMHP):

• Launched in 1982, the NMHP addresses the high burden of mental disorders and the shortage of mental health professionals. It was re-strategized in 2003 to include:
• Modernizing State Mental Hospitals.
• Upgrading Psychiatric Wings in general hospitals and medical colleges.

Mental Healthcare Act 2017:

• Ensures all affected individuals receive mental healthcare through government services.
• Revises the legal view of suicide, limiting criminalization of suicide attempts to specific cases.

Helplines and Digital Support:

• Kiran Helpline: Launched in 2020 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Kiran is a 24/7 toll-free helpline for individuals experiencing stress, depression, and other mental health challenges.
• MANAS Mobile App: In 2021, the government introduced the MANAS app to promote mental well-being across different age groups.

Technological Innovations in Mental Health

Artificial Intelligence (AI):

• AI for Mental Health: AI offers new ways to support men’s mental health, especially for those hesitant to seek conventional help.
• AI-Driven Tools: Platforms such as Fortis Healthcare’s Adayu Mindfulness app and Manodayam offer tailored mental health insights and integrate AI to support treatment.
• Behavioral Tracking: AI can detect patterns in language and behavior that suggest mental health issues, aiding in early detection and personalized intervention.

Brain Stimulation:

• Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS): A non-invasive brain stimulation method that targets areas related to depression, particularly useful for cases resistant to standard treatments.
• Closed-Loop Neurostimulation: This technology uses sensors to monitor brain activity, adjusting stimulation in real-time based on individual brainwave patterns.

Recommendations for Addressing India’s Mental Health Crisis

• Enhancing Mental Health Awareness: Improving mental health literacy, particularly among men, can help reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help.
• Embracing Technological Solutions: AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants using natural language processing can offer real-time, personalized mental health support.
• Creating Supportive Environments: By reducing societal barriers and encouraging open discussions, more individuals may feel comfortable seeking support without fear of judgment.
• Building Mental Health Workforce: India currently has only 3 psychiatrists, 0.07 psychologists, and 0.07 social workers per 100,000 people. Expanding this workforce is crucial, as developed countries have up to 6.6 psychiatrists per 100,000.

Conclusion

India’s mental health crisis requires a comprehensive approach that combines raising awareness, utilizing innovative technologies, and fostering open dialogues to combat stigma. Addressing mental health with timely and effective policies will help protect lives, empower people, and promote well-being across the country. By prioritizing mental health, India can move toward a society where individuals feel empowered to seek help without stigma.

Mains Question:

1. “Discuss the current mental health crisis in India, focusing on societal factors, healthcare accessibility, and technological innovations. Suggest policy interventions to improve mental health support and reduce stigma.” (150 WORDS)