The subject of mental health has long been covered in interviews, talks, debates and articles, but it’s now time to look at some numbers that will reveal more than what meets the eyes- the status of mental health in India.
In India, one student commits suicide every hour. More than 10 million children have autism. 1 in 20 people suffer from depression. Substance use disorders are prevalent in 22.4% of the population.
According to a study reported by WHO, conducted for the NCMH (National Care Of Medical Health), at least 6.5 per cent of the Indian population suffers from some form of serious mental disorder, with no discernible rural-urban differences. There are 300 million people suffering from depression worldwide, with India, China and the US being the most affected countries by anxiety, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
"At the root of this dilemma is the way we view mental health in this country. Whether an illness affects your heart, legs or your brain, it's still an illness and there should be no distinction”, said Mitchell Obama, addressing the growing numbers of various mental illnesses in the United States.
Mental health is an integral part of health and is more than the mere absence of mental illnesses. It refers to a broad range of activities that promote mental well-being and the prevention of mental illness. India, the second most populated country in the world is facing a serious mental health crisis, with an estimated 56 million people suffering from depression and 38 million from anxiety disorders, according to a report by the World Health Organisation. Mental distress is believed to be a key reason why one student commits suicide every hour in the country.
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Written by - Vrushti Oza
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