Overcoming the stigma of mental illness and the urgent need for better services in India

Overcoming the stigma of mental illness and the urgent need for better services in India

**Author: Ritusri M, a student at Symbiosis Law School Hyderabad

In India, mental health has long been veiled in stigma and silence. Despite the nation's rapid advancement in many areas, the fight to address mental health issues is still tricky. It is past time that we brought this vital matter to light and acknowledged the immediate need for better mental health services in India.

The stigma associated with mental illness

The deeply ingrained stigma attached to mental disorders is one of India's main barriers to mental health support. People coping with such issues find it very challenging to seek treatment in a society where discussing mental health is frequently regarded as taboo. In addition to fostering ignorance, this stigma stops people from getting the help and resources they desperately need.

Many myths and cultural conventions contribute to the stigma associated with mental health. Many people think that having mental health issues is a sign of fragility or a defect in one's character. As a result, people with mental illnesses frequently suffer in silence out of fear of being judged and discriminated against by their communities and families.

The Cost of Mental Illness

In India, mental health problems are incredibly prevalent. India has one of the world's highest suicide rates, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). People of all ages and backgrounds are impacted by the widespread prevalence of disorders related to stress, anxiety, and depression. These problems have been made worse by the COVID-19 epidemic, whose isolation and unpredictability have led to increased mental health issues.

Despite these concerning figures, mental health is frequently neglected in debates about public policy. There is a severe scarcity of mental health specialists and facilities due to the limited resources given to mental health care. In sharp contrast to the global average of 9 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, India has only 0.3 psychiatrists per 100,000.

The Critical Need for Better Services

Various things must be addressed right away to solve the mental health problem in India:

Campaigns to Reduce Stigma: The first and most crucial step is to end the taboo surrounding mental illness. Public awareness programs should be conducted to raise awareness of mental health, dispel myths, and promote candid dialogue.

Increase funding: The government requires increased funding to provide additional mental health treatments. This covers expanding telemedicine services for rural areas, employing and educating more mental health specialists, building new mental health institutions, and more.

Integration into Healthcare: To guarantee that people receive holistic care that addresses their physical and mental well-being, mental health services should be incorporated into the general healthcare system.

Support from the Community: Communities may be crucial in helping those struggling with mental health difficulties. Support groups and community-based initiatives should be supported to offer a secure environment where people may discuss their experiences and ask for assistance.

School Programs: To promote awareness from a young age and lessen the stigma attached to mental health, mental health education should be incorporated into school curricula.

Workplace Initiatives: Employers should prioritize employee mental health by putting in place mental health policies, making counseling services available, and encouraging a positive work-life balance.

In India, the fight against stigma related to mental health and the urgent need for better care are life and death issues. Society, the government, medical professionals, and people must work together to establish a more compassionate and encouraging atmosphere.

Understanding that mental health plays a crucial role in overall wellbeing is critical. By confronting this problem head-on, we can ensure that every person in India can enjoy a mentally healthy and rewarding life while also saving lives. It's time to break the silence and create a better future for India's mental health.