Mental Health In Indian Households

In the vibrant country of India, full of culture and variety, Indian households, an alarming reality lurks—mental health struggles affecting millions. Astonishingly, between 60-70 million individuals grapple with common and severe mental disorders, positioning India as the global epicenter for suicides, with a staggering 2.6 lakh cases annually and a World Health Organization (WHO) recorded suicide rate of 10.9 for every lakh people.

Yet, in a country where familial bonds are deeply cherished, mental health remains shrouded in stigma. Traditional beliefs attributing mental illness to supernatural or spiritual causes divert individuals towards traditional healers, bypassing vital support from mental health professionals.

The impact on family dynamics is profound. Mental health challenges sow seeds of tension, uncertainty, and stress, reshaping lives in unforeseen ways. In 2017, a startling 197.3 million Indians, constituting 14.3% of the population, wrestled with mental disorders. The prevalence of mental diseases surged from 2.5% in 1990 to 4.7%, contributing significantly to the burden of disability-adjusted life years (DALYS) – a staggering 2443 per 100,000 population, as per WHO estimates.

The roots of this crisis intertwine with India's socioeconomic landscape. Poverty and limited access to quality healthcare and mental health services amplify the challenge. A WHO report underscores the economic toll, projecting losses of 1.03 trillion due to mental health conditions between 2012-2030.

Age emerges as a pivotal factor. A 2019 survey reveals that young adults, aged 20-29, bear the brunt, with 50% experiencing mental health problems from the age of 14 and 75% by 24. Shockingly, 10% of children and young people (5-16) grapple with clinically diagnosable mental issues.

Elderly citizens, often overlooked, also bear a significant burden. Recent epidemiological studies unveil a concerning 20.5% mental health morbidity among older adults, affecting 17.13 million out of a population of 83.58 million.

As we struggle with the staggering statistics, the need for widespread awareness, destigmatization, and improved accessibility to mental health resources in Indian households becomes ever more urgent. It's time to collectively dismantle the barriers, fostering a compassionate environment where mental health is prioritized and every individual feels empowered to seek the support they need.