India's Silent Pandemic: Confronting the National Mental Health Crisis
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Social Development (Public Health); Indian Polity and Governance (Policies & Schemes - District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), Tele MANAS; Key Legislations - Mental Healthcare Act, 2017); Institutions (National Crime Records Bureau - NCRB).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 1 (Society): Population and associated issues (suicide, agrarian distress).
General Studies Paper 2 (Health, Governance, Social Justice): Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health; Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population and the performance of these schemes. Mental Health is a very important and contemporary topic for GS2.
Essay: A very likely topic on Health, Social Justice, or the challenges faced by modern society.
Key Highlights from the News
India faces a major national mental health crisis. Suicide rates are rising, and around 23 crore people experience mental health issues.
Key Problems:
A massive treatment gap, with 70% to 92% of those affected not receiving treatment.
A severe shortage of professionals like psychologists and psychiatrists.
Deep-seated stigma and negative societal attitudes towards mental health.
Very low allocation (1.05%) for mental health in the health budget.
Despite progressive laws like the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, there are significant failures in their effective implementation.
A new dangerous trend is emerging where millions of Indians, due to lack of treatment and social isolation, are using AI tools like ChatGPT as a substitute for a therapist.
Main Solutions:
Increase the mental health budget.
Appoint counselors in all schools and colleges.
Regulate digital mental health services.
Integrate mental health into primary health care.
Provide special attention to high-risk groups such as farmers, homemakers, and students.
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