India's Mental Health Crisis: A Silent Epidemic Unfolding

India is confronting a significant mental health emergency, with experts estimating it accounts for nearly one-third of global suicides, depression, and addiction cases. Suicide stands as a leading cause of death for young Indians aged 15-29. This crisis is exacerbated by a substantial treatment gap, as 70% to 92% of individuals with mental disorders do not receive adequate care due to lack of awareness, stigma, and a severe shortage of professionals.

Recent government initiatives, including budget announcements for strengthening mental health infrastructure and establishing a second NIMHANS in north India, aim to improve regional access. Additionally, efforts to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare centers and expand manpower through centers of excellence are underway. Tele MANAS provides a 24x7 toll-free mental health support helpline across states.

Despite a rise in overall mental health allocations, from ₹683 crore in 2020-21 to approximately ₹1,898 crore in 2024-25, the funding remains critically low. This allocation is less than 2% of the total health budget, which itself is about 2% of the national GDP. Critics argue that a greater focus on community-based, early-intervention models is needed rather than solely relying on tertiary care institutions to effectively mainstream mental healthcare across the nation.