Economic Survey 2024 Highlights Urgent Need for Mental Health in India
The Economic Survey for 2023-24, pointed out a concerning rise in mental health issues among Indians, especially in adults. Survey advocates for a comprehensive, community-driven approach to minimize this growing problem.
According to data from the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2015-16, 10.6 percent of adults in India suffer from mental disorders, with a significant treatment gap ranging from 70 to 92 percent for different disorders. Urban metro regions reported a higher prevalence of mental morbidity at 13.5 percent compared to rural areas (6.9 percent) and urban non-metro areas (4.3 percent).
Emphasizing the serious connection of mental health with both health and economic outcomes, the survey underlined that mental health issues can have broader influences on productivity across society than physical health ailments.
The survey also points ongoing research indicating that adults aged 25-44 years are most affected. Highlighting findings from NCERT's Mental Health and Well-being of School Students Survey, it pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic worsened poor Mental Health, among adolescents, with noteworthy percentages reporting feelings of anxiety, extreme emotions, and mood swings linked to academic burdens.
The document called for a transformative approach towards mental health, advocating for a bottom-up approach that engages communities comprehensively. It stressed the need to combat societal stigma by normalizing talks about mental health and encouraging acceptance and treatment-seeking behaviors similar to physical sicknesses.
"Mental health problems not only diminish individual quality of life but also constrain overall productivity through absenteeism, reduced efficiency, disability, and increased healthcare costs," the survey said.
The survey acknowledged India’s encouraging steps for mental health policies, also insisted the important of active application to make the most of the impact. It recognized standing gaps in current programs, particularly concerning awareness and stigma, which delay the effectiveness of involvements
According to data from the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2015-16, 10.6 percent of adults in India suffer from mental disorders, with a significant treatment gap ranging from 70 to 92 percent for different disorders. Urban metro regions reported a higher prevalence of mental morbidity at 13.5 percent compared to rural areas (6.9 percent) and urban non-metro areas (4.3 percent).
Emphasizing the serious connection of mental health with both health and economic outcomes, the survey underlined that mental health issues can have broader influences on productivity across society than physical health ailments.
The survey also points ongoing research indicating that adults aged 25-44 years are most affected. Highlighting findings from NCERT's Mental Health and Well-being of School Students Survey, it pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic worsened poor Mental Health, among adolescents, with noteworthy percentages reporting feelings of anxiety, extreme emotions, and mood swings linked to academic burdens.
The document called for a transformative approach towards mental health, advocating for a bottom-up approach that engages communities comprehensively. It stressed the need to combat societal stigma by normalizing talks about mental health and encouraging acceptance and treatment-seeking behaviors similar to physical sicknesses.
"Mental health problems not only diminish individual quality of life but also constrain overall productivity through absenteeism, reduced efficiency, disability, and increased healthcare costs," the survey said.
The survey acknowledged India’s encouraging steps for mental health policies, also insisted the important of active application to make the most of the impact. It recognized standing gaps in current programs, particularly concerning awareness and stigma, which delay the effectiveness of involvements
