India Needs to Invest More in Mental Health

The need of the hour for India is to invest in mental health manpower, services and research, to protect its tomorrow, said Dr Koushik Sinha Deb, additional professor, department of psychiatry, AIIMS.

- Dr Koushik Sinha Deb

In an interview with Kavita Bajeli-Datt, he says people, especially in cities, nowadays are more open about discussing mental health issues, but the associated stigma may not have come down. Edited excerpts:

What is the current status of mental health in India?

Mental ill-health is increasing globally, and India is no exception. Mental resilience is being eroded by social instability, war and economic insecurities. The term 'mental health crisis' has jaded by overuse, a fact which is alarming by itself. Mental health has become common. According to national survey data, the lifetime prevalence was 13.7%, while substance use disorders was 22.4%. It means that it is more common than heart diseases (13-15%), diabetes (8.3%), cancer (all) (11%), active tuberculosis (1-3%). In India, around 70-92% of people with mental disorders do not get treatment.