The World Health Organization (WHO) released two reports – World Mental Health Today and Mental Health Atlas 2024 – highlighting global and national mental health challenges ahead of the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on noncommunicable diseases and mental well-being.
Global Mental Health Scenario:
- Prevalence: Over 1 billion people worldwide live with mental health disorders.
- Suicide: Estimated 727,000 deaths in 2021, with 1 suicide per 20 attempts; accounts for 1% of global deaths.
- Common Disorders: Anxiety and depression make up two-thirds of mental illnesses.
- Rising Trend: Mental disorders have increased faster than population growth between 2011 and 2021.
- Vulnerable Groups:
- Ages 20–29 years have the largest rise (1.8%).
- Males: More prone to ADHD, autism, intellectual developmental disorders.
- Females: More prone to anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
- SDG Progress: Suicide is the leading cause of death among youth; current reduction rate (12%) is far from the 2030 SDG target of 33% reduction.
- Economic Impact: Depression and anxiety cost the global economy ~US$1 trillion/year, including lost productivity.
- Treatment Gap: Less than 10% of people with major depression receive adequate care.
Mental Health in India:
- Prevalence: 10.6% adults suffer from mental disorders (NMHS 2015-16).
- Urban-Rural Divide: Higher in metros (13.5%) vs rural areas (6.9%).
- Causes among youth:
- Excessive social media and internet use → anxiety, sleep disorders.
- Weak family support → poor emotional well-being.
- Stressful work environments → burnout and reduced productivity.
- Unhealthy lifestyle → poor physical and mental health.
Healthcare Challenges:
- Poor conditions and abuse in psychiatric hospitals.
- Low funding (~1% of total health budget).
- Shortage and uneven distribution of psychiatrists and mental health workers.
- Accessibility issues in rural areas; treatment costs often unaffordable.
Government Initiatives in India:
- Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: in Decriminalised suicide attempts. Allowed advance directives for treatment decisions.
- Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2017: Includes mental illness as a disability.
- KIRAN Helpline: Suicide prevention and crisis support.
- District Mental Health Programme (DMHP): Covers 767 districts; provides counseling, stress management.
- National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP): 53 Tele MANAS cells across 36 states/UTs for remote access.
