Mental Health Issues in India An Upcoming Epidemic in Disguise
Mental Health Issues in India: An Upcoming Epidemic in Disguise
India in the 21st century is geared for endless progress in all the aspects that make a nation prosperous and a frontrunner; however, in this road to progress, there lies a major hindrance that mostly goes unnoticed and unaddressed to, that is, the mental health of the people of India. To cast spotlight in this direction, it is better to start with the fact that the prevalence of common mental disorders CMD is 5.1 percent asper NMHS, 2016 report, whereby male accounted for 3.7 percent and female 5.7 percent. The story of mental agony follows the lifecycle of a person and can appear and reappear at any stage of life; however, to bring out a common course of illnesses can be discussed as follows:
Childhood and Adolescence: Anxiety and Depression
Prevalence and Impact
Childhood and adolescence are the most important periods of mental health development. According to the National Mental Health Survey of India, 2015-16, about 7.3 percent of children in the age group 13-17 years suffer from mental disorders, and out of these, a considerable number of cases are those of depression and anxiety. The pressure for good academic performance, bullying, social media pressure is also some exacerbating conditions. Current family problems like divorce, separation, also contribute to stunted mental growth and disorders.
Depression and Suicide in Youth
The major factor with the Indian youth is depression. In this regard, according to a study in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, in 2019, it was reported that nearly 25% of students in India report symptoms of depression. The WHO report in 2019 stated that the majority of deaths in youngsters aging from 15-29 years by suicide amount to 35.5% of total suicides.
Causes and Consequences
Increasing academic pressure, societal expectations, and a lack of education regarding mental health increase rates of depression and suicide. Many youths struggle with the cultural stigma and lack of awareness in talking about their feelings openly, which in most cases end up very bad, with self-harm and even suicidal thoughts. To complicate the scenario, at such an age, comes the problem of gender identity and dysphoria, generally looked down upon by parents and society.
Future Directions
The schools-based mental health programs lay their emphasis on emotional literacy, stress management, and peer support to address these. Open discussions about the mental health issues and decreasing stigma associated with the help- seeking are very necessary. Implementation of central or state-based suicide helpline numbers in case of emergency action and prevention is of vital importance.
Young Adults: Addiction and Substance Abuse
Prevalence and Impact
Young adulthood is a stage characterized by exploration and independence. However, it is also a time when individuals are vulnerable to addiction and substance abuse. According to the National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India (2019), about 14.6% of people aged 10-75 years use alcohol, with the highest prevalence among young adults aged 18-25 years. Drug use, particularly cannabis and opioids, is also prevalent in this age group, apart from substances current issues of behavioural addictions like internet gaming addiction, pornography addiction and gambling disorders are new paradigm of mental health issues which have emerged and already causing substantial distress.
Causes and Consequence
Various factors that may lead to substance abuse include peer pressure, academic and professional stressors, and socio-economic challenges. The process of addiction is a challenge, but the problems of physical and mental complications it may further lead to, like depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies, are serious.
Future Directions
There is the need to develop interventions that look at prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Awareness programs concerning the risks posed by these drugs may prove handy in cutting down such vices, alongside accessible treatment programs. There is a need to liaise with education facilities and include substance abuse education in the school curriculum.
Middle Adulthood: Anxiety and Stress
Prevalence and Impact
At this point, middle adulthood is most often loaded with burdens of different responsibilities: work pressure and family responsibility. Anxiety is at its peak in this period, which World Health Organization report indicates as affecting around 28% of adults aged 30-49 years in 2019.
Causes and Consequences
Economic instability, work-life imbalance, and caregiving responsibilities for aging parents and children, often any kind of marital or familial dispute also contribute to anxiety and stress these can result in very serious health conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases and depression, which will impact quality and life year expectancy
Future Directions
Employers can play a crucial role by promoting mental well-being through flexible work arrangements, stress management workshops, and employee assistance programs. Encouraging regular physical activity, mindfulness, and work-life balance, healthy familiar discussion can also help reduce anxiety and stress.
Older Adults: Isolation and Depression
Prevalence and Impact
In older adulthood, the problems of mental health are mainly manifested in terms of depression and cognitive decline. According to the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, the prevalence of depression among the elderly population of India varies from 8% to 15% in the 2018 estimate. Some important contributory factors are social isolation, loss of near and dear ones, and health-related problems. Diseases like Alzheimer's and other memory-related problems become a major cause of concern for this age group since it results in deterred overall wellbeing of the person.
Causes and Consequences
In India, with the erosion of the traditional joint family structure, more and more elderly are forced to live alone. The physical ailments and fear of dependence characterizing old age may further increase their feelings of loneliness and depression, thereby diminishing their quality of life.
Future Directions
Community-based support systems can be enhanced to meet the mental health needs of older adults, including activities that encourage social engagement. Integrating mental health services into primary healthcare and training of health providers in identifying and treating depression in older adults become imperative.
Cross-Cutting Issues: Stigma and Resources
Stigma is a major cross-cutting issue to mental health care in India. Despite all the advances, mental health remains surrounded by shame and stigma, which prevents many people from coming forward for treatment. Besides, there is an acute shortage of mental health professionals, with only 0.3 psychiatrists per 100,000 as per WHO, 2019. As per the NMHS report, India has a significant treatment gap for mental disorders ranging from 70 to 92 per cent for different disorders, which makes the matter more grievous.
Knowledge – Attitude – Power: The Way to Go
Societies should play their role by properly and adequately knowing about these issues and spreading awareness so that they get addressed at the earliest possible time to reduce this growing burden of mental health issues in India. The next most important step towards betterment of this burden is developing health seeking attitude of both individual and society. Once a patient or a section of society gets benefitted from the treatment, they should pass on the message to fellow citizens struggling with these issues to empower them. It should be the motto: Let's Tackle Mental Illness Together.
References
- National Mental Health Survey of India, 2015-16. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
- "Prevalence and Pattern of Substance Use in India: An Epidemiological Study," National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, AIIMS, 2019.
- "Depression and Anxiety in Indian Youth: A Review," Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 2019.
- World Health Organization. "Suicide Worldwide in 2019."
- "Mental Health in India: Challenges and Perspectives," Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 2018.