Mental Health: Are The Efforts By The Indian Govt Proving Effective For Mental Health Awareness?

By Editor Team

Initiatives taken by the Indian government regarding mental health

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare take different initiatives to tackle mental health-related issues. Due to this national mental health surveys were conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in 12 different states of India. The survey results show that the mental health issues were divided into three types common mental disorders, severe mental disorders or alcohol and substance use disorders. According to data around 10.6 per cent of adults over the age of 18, we are suffering from these mental issues. Mostly people who were living in high urban metropolitan areas were suffering from these issues. These were mainly noncommunicable disorders. At the present time, one in 20 is suffering from mental depression.

However, the number is increasing rapidly as compared to previous data one in 40 per cent were suffering from mental disorder issues. However, according to data 3.5 per cent population reported neurosis and stress-related disorders which was mostly high in females and compared to males it was twice in number. For mental depression lot of people try to commit suicide. Data indicated that 0.9 per cent of the population were at high risk of suicide. On the other hand, 50 per cent of people were suffering from depression issues and faced obstacles to doing their day-to-day life activities. This negatively affected their performance and health as well and created obstacles in their growth.

It was reported that COVID-19 forced people to stuck in their rooms for which mental well-being issues were increasing in number. The government of India to tackle those issues takes some initiatives to address these complications. The government organized a 24/7 Helpline to support people with psychological issues with the help of mental health professionals. However, to provide quality support they divided the population into different target groups like children, adults, elderly, women and healthcare workers. It was reported that to date total of 5,77,743 calls were received.

Through different platforms in the form of creative audio-visuals; they promote an environment to support people who are suffering from stress, and anxiety. However, every detail regarding these and detailed guidelines was provided by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) Bengaluru. Along with this detailed descriptions were provided in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Website under “Behavioral Health – Psychosocial helpline”. Additionally, through the (iGOT)-Diksha platform; NIMHANS focus on providing training to support healthcare workers for psychosocial support.

Mental health awareness

Mental health is essential for psychological and emotional well-being. Mental well-being awareness is essential especially for adolescent and for their development or good mental well-being. It was essential for developing positive emotions and supporting them to improve their thinking or social behavior. As it leads them to socially communicate with others. However, many aspects regarding adolescents are considered good mental condition as when the child enjoys life fully and feels positive and happy. This shows how he participates in activities and feels themselves an important part of society. It improves their mental well-being and boosts their growth.

However, a lot of things negatively affected the mental well-being of these children which were parental drug or alcohol abuse stress or different disturbing events in school or in society, anxiety, and depression caused low self-esteem which negatively affected the performance or mental growth of the adolescents. As per the study by WHO it was common among to suffer from emotional, eating or behavioural disorders. In extreme cases, many attempted suicide.  It is required for the parents to improve their knowledge regarding mental well-being awareness as mental well-being is as significant as physical health.

Youth are the future of our nation for it is essential to help them by identifying their mental well-being issues and supporting them through communicating them on a personal level. In this present time, it is common among adolescents to suffer from mental well-being issues. For which it was required to enhance awareness among parents regarding mental well-being. Along with adolescents for increasing stress it was common that the women were suffering from mental well-being issues equally. For a lot of work stress working women face the burden to handle personal or professional life equally which hampers their health and emotional wellbeing.

World Mental Health Day

It is a matter of conversation for wellness regarding mental well-being. It is common these days for people suffering from mental illness and different mental health conditions which hamper their performance. Due to this every year United Nations on 10th October as World Mental Health Day. Through celebrating this day the organization spread awareness regarding mental well-being issues and focuses on supporting those people who suffer from these issues. In the year 2023, The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) Announced Ethan for this day which was “Mental health is a universal human right”.

This organization in the world mental health different events or activities in the month of October to promote mental well-being through spreading awareness among people. World Health Organization on this day through this theme aims to improve knowledge and raise awareness among everyone regarding mental well-being as a human right.

This explains that mental well-being is a basic human right for everyone and they have the right to attain the highest standard of mental well-being and good quality of care and write to Liberty. According to the data of the World Health Organization among eight people one is suffering from mental health conditions which was the main reason for affecting physical health they are well being. Through data, it was highlighted that mental health issues were increasing mainly among young people and adolescents.

They were the future for which it was highly required to address these issues to take strong steps to counterpart these issues through increasing awareness among people. Due to this every year in the month of October World Health Organization is celebrated to help needy persons by spreading awareness.

FAQ

What are the common mental health issues prevalent in India according to the National Mental Health Survey?

What are the common mental health issues prevalent in India according to the National Mental Health Survey?

How has the prevalence of mental health issues changed over time?

The prevalence of mental health disorders has increased significantly in recent years. For example, the rate of depression has risen from one in 40 to one in 20.

What initiatives has the Indian government taken to address mental health issues?

The government has implemented various initiatives, including:
Establishing a 24/7 helpline for psychological support, Providing training to healthcare workers on psychosocial support, Conducting awareness campaigns through creative audio-visual content, and Developing guidelines and resources for mental health professionals.

What are some factors contributing to the rise in mental health issues among adolescents?

Factors such as parental drug or alcohol abuse, stress, disturbing events, anxiety, and depression can negatively impact the mental health of adolescents.

Why is mental health awareness important for adolescents?

Mental health awareness helps adolescents develop positive emotions, improve their thinking and social behavior, and feel more connected to society. It is essential for their overall well-being and growth.

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Saturday, Nov 2, 2024