"The idea of health is incomplete without considering one's mental health."
Mental health is not mere absence of mental disorders but a state of well-being where an individual is able to function to best of their capacity, deal with stressors of everyday effectively and derive a sense of contentment, integrity and purposefulness out of their lives.
A report in 2022 by WHO suggests that one in every eight individuals suffer from mental disorder worldwide. Also, the same report suggests that about 20% Indians suffer from different mental health conditions and to put it in numbers approximately 20+ crore Indians.
Alarming, right? But do we seem to take adequate steps to ensure mental wellbeing? Doesn't seem like. About 70% of people in India struggling with mental illness receive no care. And only one out of every ten people appears to receive scientific care for mental health conditions.
If we have to speak of our country, the understanding of mental disorders we have today is far sophisticated than what we had a couple decades ago. Yet, we are clearly struggling on multiple aspects.
Lack of awareness and stigma
Imagine one having broken a leg did not realize that they need treatment or when they realize, they do not go the health professional for the fear that people may find out. Sounds strange right? People are so aware and ready to visit multiple health professionals when their physical health is compromised. Sadly, the same is not the case with mental health concerns. Surveys have estimated that around 81% of people under-reported their mental illnesses. Half of them delayed seeking treatment for the fear that people might find out.
Discrimination
It is not that people want to hide mental health issues. They fear the stigma, which can lead to discrimination. Discrimination and mental health issues have a cyclic impact on each other. Discrimination excludes people from the main-stream, which can often lead to consequences like losing opportunities, compromised self-esteem, and hopelessness.
Availability of Mental Health Professionals
We don't have adequate qualified MHPs to cater to the size of clientele that requires intervention. Psychiatrists, Clinical Psychologists, and Counseling Psychologists are far less in number than required.
However, there is hope. Like our understanding of mental disorders has evolved, there is open discussion on several platforms about mental health issues. The more people talk about it, the more people know about it. Our country seems to have accelerated its efforts to create awareness of mental disorders, prevention, and destigmatization.
Media platforms like news, talk shows, podcasts, and social media have created essential buzz about mental health conditions, needs, and rights. These blogs aim to make you aware, help learn more about mental health issues and help you or your loved ones to reach out to the right people.
Take care!