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80% Mentally Ill in India Lack Care: Experts Warn
3 Jan
Summary
- Over 80% of individuals with mental health disorders in India don't get timely care.
- Deep-rooted stigma and lack of awareness are major barriers to treatment.
- Urgent national attention is needed to integrate mental health into primary care.
A significant majority of individuals in India grappling with mental health conditions are not receiving essential psychiatric care, according to mental health experts speaking at an event in Delhi. An estimated 80-85% of those affected remain outside the formal healthcare system, facing delays that can worsen their conditions and lead to chronic illness and disability.
This critical treatment gap, with over 85% of people with common mental disorders not seeking or receiving treatment, underscores the profound impact of stigma and inadequate awareness. Experts stress that mental illnesses are highly treatable when identified early and managed appropriately, calling the situation a social, economic, and developmental issue demanding urgent national focus.
While government initiatives like the Tele-MANAS helpline and expanded District Mental Health Programme are positive developments, experts assert that these efforts must be significantly scaled up. Strengthening community-based services and training primary care doctors are crucial steps to bridge the gap and address the rising rates of morbidity, mortality, and suicide linked to untreated mental illness.
