India Bracing For Mental Health Crisis

This year, the 29th World Mental Health Day is all the more important for the globe as we find ourselves in the midst of a global mental distress crisis brought by COVID-19. The theme ‘Mental Health for All: Greater Investment- Greater Access’ fits appropriately as the situation not only demands enhanced access to mental health by breaking the stigma but also strengthening investments in the space as supporting pillars.

- Swati Shrivastava

World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10 every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. This year, the 29th World Mental Health Day is all the more important for the globe as we find ourselves in the midst of a global mental distress crisis brought by COVID-19. The theme ‘Mental Health for All: Greater Investment- Greater Access’ fits appropriately as the situation not only demands enhanced access to mental health by breaking the stigma but also strengthening investments in the space as supporting pillars.

Though the initial focus is the management of physical aspects of the disease, it has been recognized that the physiological consequences of the disease need to be addressed especially when they overlap in patients with existing mental health issues, who may experience severe symptoms. The second group of patients comprises people, who have never suffered from a mental disorder but are developing symptoms due to the stressful situation. Further, front-line personnel bearing the responsibilities of dealing with the disease have their own anxieties.

A non- COVID phase statistics according to a study by Lancet shows that one in seven Indians are affected by a mental disorder of varying severity. While depressive disorders, anxiety disorders and substance use disorder are most common in prevalence, studies by Bengaluru based National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS) at the beginning of the pandemic suggested that the phase of COVID- 19 would see their increase due to low moods, social isolation, quarantine, fear, anticipation of infection, social stigma and unstable finances.