Social issues as mental health in India

Social issues as mental health in India

Author:-  Aritrika Das , A student at Snehangshu kanta Acharya Institute of Law , kalyani University.

Introduction-

Mental health in India is still fairly a new topic . India confronts a substantial Mental health burden that needs attention.Mental health illness is about a person’s mental and emotional wellness. Good/sound mental health would mean that one possesses a balanced mind, confidence and self-esteem. A mental illness is a problem that significantly affects how a person thinks, perceives, reacts .the consequences of these mental health challenges affects the society. Individuals struggling with mental health problems face immense personal anguish and distress, as these conditions often cut their ability to  fulfilling lives. They encounter difficulties maintaining relationships, pursuing education, employment opportunities,participatin in social activities also it increases the crime and suicide rate.

  Mental health illness in India has risen steadily in recent years, 

 Mental Health Illnesses include:

( common)

1.Depression

2.Anxiety/Phobias

3.Eating Disorders

4.Stress

(Sever)

5.Schizophrenia

6.Bipolar disorder 

7.Clinical depression

8.Suicidal tendency

9.Personality disorder

Study shows that 50% of mental health conditions begin by age 14 .According to the National Health program by the Ministry of health and family welfare, 6% of Kerala’s population has mental disorders. 1 in a 5 has some emotional and behavioural problems. Close to 60 -70 million people in the country suffer from common and severe mental disorders. India is the world’s suicide capital with over 2.6 lakh suicide cases in a year. WHO statistics says the average suicide rate in India is 10.9 for every lakh people. 

There’re few common reasons for this issue –

1.lack of awareness: 

 The foremost reason is lack of awareness as Indian society is still stigmatised and careless about this matter. Most of the time it discourages people who are suffering, to ask for help.

2.Lack of help: 

For the study we have less institutions across the country than required only small amount of seats for mental health professionals are set aside in India. So, the lack of psychiatric workers, nurses, clinics,psychologists is there. It's like there is only 1 psychiatrist for 4 lakh Indians.

3.No insurance for mental illness :

Insurance companies don’t provide medical insurance to mentally ill people. A good hospital and good treatment is nearly impossible for some,without insurance  it becomes more difficult.

4. Gender inequality :

 Women’s are more likely to suffer from mental illness because of inequality, assault, judgemental society and so on.

5.The pandemic : 

Lndian mental health statistics were always poor.It became worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s Negative impact such as – 

1.long periods of isolation

2.Frontline workers not being able to come physically close to their family members  

3.Loss of job  

4.Financial difficulty

5.Not being able to meet loved ones  

6.Alchohol and substance abuse due to stress

7.Fear of the unknown and uncertainty

8. disruption of work-life balance

9.Losing loved ones

10.Increase in domestic violence

11.Closed institutions…

Tho , there’re peoples who got the chance to spent time with their family who normally weren’t able to do so because of work. But the impact was not same for everyone. 

People became more reckless, the youngsters are more pressured than before as it almost effected a large amount of education and students. 

Criminal justice system and mental illness –

At first glance they may look like completely unrelated subjects, but they have significant impact on eachother.

Illnesses like depression, Schizophrenia,Bipolar disorder, and many more has a huge impact in criminality . According to a study those who suffers from these illnesses were  ¾ times more likely to commit crimes. Tho the healthcare systems and justice system are highlighting the issues and trying to deal with it by splitting the criminals and patients but still there is a way  long run ahead .

Conclusion –

 Mental illness has become a mejor problem worldwide mostly after the pandemic. The childhood trauma or abuse, less job opportunities, comparison, poverty etc are also responsible for the issue.thus, it’s treatable with the availability of medical needs , family support, societal support and so on . To decrease the issue one need to change their conservative mindsets, with the help of one by one we will be able to fight the issue and build a healthy community.

Refferences-

https://pharmeasy.in/blog/mental-health-illnesses-in-india/#:~:text=Close%20to%2060%20to%2070,still%20a%20stigma%20in%20India.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/social-issues-mental-health-amaresh-muddebihal#:~:text=A%20person’s%20mental%20health%20may,melancholy%2C%20and%20other%20mental%20diseases.

https://www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-8536-mental-health-and-criminal-justice-system-an-extensive-analysis-within-indian-jurisdiction.html