According to World Health Organisation (WHO), mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work.
Mental Health Scenario in India
- Prevalence: 10.6% of adults suffer from mental disorders (National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2015-16 by NIMHANS).
- 70% to 92% of people do not receive proper treatment due to lack of awareness, stigma, and shortage of professionals.
- Economic loss: Estimated at USD 1.03 trillion between 2012-2030 (WHO).
- Prevalence of Suicides:171,418 suicides were reported in 2023 (National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)).
- Rising Digital Addiction:Addictive behaviour linked to digital devices, like smartphones, gaming and social media addiction due to near-universal mobile/internet use (Economic Survey 2025-26).
Key Initiatives on Tackling Mental Health In India
- NIMHANS Act (2012): Declares National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru as an Institute of National Importance.
- Union Budget 2026-27 provides for setting up of a NIMHANS-2 & upgrading National Mental Health Institutes in Ranchi and Tezpur.
- National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS), 2022: Reduce suicide mortality by 10% by 2030.
- Financial Protection: Through Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, mental health conditions are covered under Rs. 5 lakh per family annual insurance.
- Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act: Expanded the definition of disability to include mental illness.
- National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS): Free, 24/7 mental health support through a national toll-free helpline.
Besides the above initiatives, emphasis on “whole-of-community” approach, integrating mental well-being into school curricula, strengthening workplace policies to address stress and burnout is needed.
