Mental Health issues in india
WHO estimated that globally over for 450 million people suffer from psychiatry disorders.
Currently mental and behavioural disorders account for about 12% of the global burden of diaseases.
India accounts for nearly 18% of thw world population. It accounts for 15% of global DALYs attributed to psychiatric, neurological and substance use disorders with depression accounting to 37% in 2013.
The burden of Depression in terms of DALY'S increased by 67% between 1990 & 2013.
Mental health is not simply the absence of mental illness. It is a state of well being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively & is able to make a contribution to his or her community.
The suicide rate in India in 2015 at 15.7/ 100,000 is higher than the regional average of 12.9 & tghe global average of 10.6.
Suicide is the leading cause of death among those aged 15-29 in India. There remains a massive unaddressed need with in the population.
Gender is a critical determinant of mental health & illness. Symptoms of depression, anxiety & unspecified psychological distress are 2-3 times more common among women as compared to men.
Females are more predisposed to psychiatric disorders due to rapid social change, gender discrimination, social exclusion, domestic violence & other psychological issues.
Most strongly associated factors with psychiatric disorders are depreviation & poverty. Individuals with lower level of education, low household income, lack of access to basic amenities are at high risk of psychiatrist disorders.
Psychological factors such as headache & bodyache, non specific symptoms makes people vulnerable mental disorders.
Stigma related to mental disorders, lack of easily available treatment are the main hurdles in combating the problem of mental health in India.
ROADMAP FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS:-
• For the large Indian population to be involved in its own mental health, the only way forward through enhancing mental health awareness which will generate in itd own demand, with the awareness it can be expected that early recognition & access to treatment will follow, as well as adoption of preventive measures.
• handheld devices & the social media can truly be game changer in the propagation of effective mental health intervention through focused amplification & not just in increasing information.
Burden of mental health disorders seen by the world is only a tip of the iceberg.
• To promote mental health, there is need to create such living conditions & environment that supply mental health & allow people to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
• To reduce the burden in women there is need to do socioeconomic empowerment of women improving access to education & employment opportunities.
Mental Health Illness In India
Article Compiled By:
Dr. Deepika Verma Gulati
Health & Happiness Clinic
Saini Enclave, Karkadooma, East Delhi
Psychiatrist in East Delhi