Mental Health in India and the importance of its Awareness

Your mental health is everything – prioritize it. Make the time like your life depends on it, because it does.

– Mel Robbins

A country’s youth is its biggest asset. However, with today’s fast-paced lifestyle, depression, anxiety, stress, etc have become part of normal life questioning the awareness of mental health or its lack thereof.

A person’s mental health refers to their psychological and emotional well-being, as well as their ability to deal with life’s obstacles and stresses. It refers to a wide spectrum of diseases and disorders that affect mood, behaviour, and thought patterns, and can have an influence on everyday functioning and quality of life. Seeking help and treatment can help to enhance one’s mental health.

Different kinds of mental illnesses vary in degree and severity. It can be split into common mental illnesses and severe mental illnesses. Mental health illness can range from psychosis– which is a chemical imbalance in the body to neurosis– which is poor attitudinal learning during the growing or formative years. common mental health illnesses include Depression, Anxiety/Phobia, Eating Disorders, Stress, Etc whereas severe mental health illnesses include Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder (Manic Disorder), Clinical Depression, Suicidal Tendency, Personality Disorder, etc.

Statistics show that 1 in every 5 individuals suffers from some form of mental health illness symptoms. 50% of mental health conditions begin by age 14 and 75% of mental health conditions develop by age 24. Multiple causes can contribute to mental illness. Psychological disorders are the result of complex interactions between the mind, body, and environment. Long-term acute stress, biological causes, drug misuse and overdose, cognitive behaviour such as persistent negative thoughts, low energy, and so on, and social problems such as financial troubles, breakdowns, isolation, and so on are some of the variables.

India is the one of most populated countries in the world with nearly 70% population of its in the 13 to 35 age demographic. As of 2021 India’s Youth population between the demographic of 10 to 24 age according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is 356 million which represents approximately 27% of the World Youth Population.

However, Mental Health is still fairly a new topic in India and myths and taboos related to one’s mental health are still predominant to this day. Awareness regarding this issue has become of utmost importance now more than ever given that 1 in 5 in India has some emotional or behavioural problems. Close to 60 to 70 million people in the country are suffering from some sort of common or severe mental health disorder and according to the National Health Program by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 6% of the population of Kerela has mental disorders. With over 2.6 lakh cases of suicide in a year, India has become the suicide capital of the world. WHO statistics say the average suicide rate in India is 10.9 for every lakh people.

One of the reasons for the increase in mental health disorders is the lack of awareness and its causes as well as the knowledge of its symptoms. 

Symptoms:

There are many different types of mental health illnesses, and each may have different symptoms. However, some common symptoms that may indicate a mental health condition include:

1. Changes in mood: frequent mood swings, feeling sad or depressed, feeling anxious or tense, irritability, or extreme mood changes.

2. Changes in behaviour: excessive alcohol or drug use, changes in eating or sleeping habits, social withdrawal, reckless behaviour, or thoughts of harming oneself or others.

3. Changes in thinking: difficulty concentrating, confused thinking, lack of energy or motivation, negative self-talk, or racing thoughts.

4. Changes in physical health: unexplained aches and pains, changes in appetite or weight, feeling tired or lethargic, or changes in sexual desire.

It’s important to note that these symptoms may vary depending on the specific mental health condition and the individual experiencing them. It’s also important to seek professional help if you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, as early intervention can lead to better outcomes.

Awareness:

There are many ways to increase awareness of mental health illnesses, including:

1. Education: Education is one of the most important ways to increase awareness of mental health illnesses. This can include providing information about different mental health conditions, their symptoms, and how to access support and treatment.

2. Media Coverage: The media can play a significant role in increasing awareness of mental health issues by covering stories related to mental health, reporting on mental health research, and highlighting initiatives that promote mental health awareness.

3. Advocacy: Mental health advocates and organizations can help increase awareness by advocating for more research, funding, and policies that support mental health. They can also organize events and campaigns to raise awareness of mental health issues.

4. Community Support: Community support can also help to increase awareness of mental health illnesses. This can include creating safe spaces where people can talk about mental health, providing resources and support to those who are struggling, and promoting mental health awareness events in the community.

5. Social Media: Social media can also be a powerful tool for increasing awareness of mental health illnesses. Mental health advocates and organizations can use social media to share information, resources, and personal stories about mental health. They can also use social media to connect with others and promote mental health awareness events.

Overall, increasing awareness of mental health illnesses is an ongoing effort that requires collaboration between individuals, communities, organizations, and governments. By working together, we can reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and ensure that everyone has access to the support and treatment they need.

In conclusion, mental health illnesses are a significant issue in India that affects millions of people each year. The lack of awareness and stigma surrounding mental health can make it difficult for individuals to seek help and access the support and treatment they need. It’s important to recognize the symptoms of mental health illnesses, such as changes in mood, behaviour, thinking, and physical health, and to seek professional help if needed. 

Increasing awareness of mental health illnesses through education, media coverage, advocacy, community support, and social media can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and ensure that everyone has access to the support and treatment they need. By working together, we can improve the lives of those living with mental health conditions and promote a healthier and more inclusive society.