Why in news?

According to new WHO data, suicide caused one in every 100 deaths worldwide in 2021, claiming 727,000 lives. For every death, over 20 attempts occurred.

The reports — World Mental Health Today and Mental Health Atlas 2024 — also reveal that more than a billion people live with mental health disorders. Country-wise profiles will be released soon as part of the updated Mental Health Atlas, factoring in the pandemic’s impact.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Top Mental Health Disorders: WHO Insights
• Prospects for Reducing Suicide Rates by 2030
• Burden of Mental Health in India
• Challenges of Broad-Basing Mental Health Care in India

Top Mental Health Disorders: WHO Insights

• Mental health is an integral part of health; it is more than the absence of mental illnesses.
• It is the foundation for well-being and effective functioning of individuals. It includes mental well-being, prevention of mental disorders, treatment and rehabilitation.
• Most Common Disorders - Anxiety and depressive disorders are the most prevalent, together making up over two-thirds of all mental health conditions in 2021.
• Rising Global Prevalence - Between 2011 and 2021, mental disorders grew faster than population growth, raising the global age-standardized prevalence to 13.6%, a 0.9% increase in a decade.
• Age-Related Trends
  • Young Adults (20–29 years): Largest increase in prevalence (+1.8%) since 2011.
  • Children (<10 years): Depressive disorders are rare.
  • Middle-Aged Adults (40–69 years): Depressive disorders surpass anxiety, peaking between 50–69 years.
• Gender Differences
  • Males: More prone to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders, and intellectual developmental disorders.
  • Females: More affected by anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.

Prospects for Reducing Suicide Rates by 2030

• Suicide remains the leading cause of death among young people worldwide, but progress in reducing rates is insufficient to meet the UN’s target of a one-third reduction by 2030.
• Current trends indicate only a 12% reduction will be achieved.
• Experts stress that sustained financing, strong leadership, and effective execution of prevention programs are crucial.
• Suicide is driven by multiple factors — including family history, vulnerable temperament, early trauma, stressful environments, isolation, stigma, and lack of accessible mental health services.
• Tackling these risks holistically is essential for meaningful progress.

Burden of Mental Health in India

• WHO estimates that the burden of mental health problems in India is 2443 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 10000 population; the age-adjusted suicide rate per 100000 population is 21.1.
• Economic loss: USD 1.03 trillion projected between 2012–2030 due to mental health conditions.
• Policy and Legal Framework
  • National Mental Health Policy, 2014: Advocates a participatory and rights-based approach.
  • Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: Provides legal protections and aligns with UNCRPD principles.
• Government Initiatives
  • National Mental Health Programme and Health and Wellness Centres provide care at the primary health level.
  • National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS) A 24/7 national toll-free helpline providing accessible, free mental health support in various Indian languages. 
  • The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) - A component of the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) providing decentralized, community-based mental health services. 
  • Deaddiction centres and rehabilitation services further support treatment and recovery.

Challenges of Broad-Basing Mental Health Care in India

• Limited Infrastructure and Custodial Approach
  • India’s mental health institutions alone are insufficient.
  • Experts stress the need for psychiatric beds in general hospitals and tertiary care centres staffed with multidisciplinary teams.
  • The focus must shift from custodial to therapeutic models, with larger hospitals acting as academic training hubs.
• Poor Funding and Associated Conditions
  • Psychiatric hospitals often face underfunding, leading to poor living conditions, neglect, and abuse.
• Scarcity of Trained Professionals
  • There is a severe shortage of psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, nurses, and social workers.
  • Interior regions lack access to professionals and essential medicines, leaving families unable to afford long-distance travel for treatment.
• Accessibility and Economic Burden
  • Even when families want to seek help, economic hardships—loss of wages and travel costs—become barriers.
  • With 30 million Indians suffering from severe mental illnesses, the financial strain is immense as patients often become non-earning dependents.
• Need for a Strong Chain of Care
  • Mental healthcare requires continuity of treatment, reliable availability of medicines, and systemic support.
  • Building a robust chain of care across rural and urban India is essential for effective mental health management.