News and Publications

Circulated from AMAL SOM INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH (www.asimh.org), MANAS CAMPUS:

The Government of India has introduced three initiatives recently to enhance the reach, affordability and engagement of the mental health services in the community. The Ayushman Bharat initiative transforms primary healthcare facilities into health and wellness centres (HWCs) with provisions to screen mental ailments.

Recently a question was put up to the Central Government in the Parliament regarding mental health to which the Centre informed that it maintains no data regarding mental health or clinical psychologists working in India. 

Ashwini Kumar Chaubey, the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare had informed this in Rajya Sabha. He responded to the question asking about the number of clinical health professionals working in the field of mental health by saying, " the data for the number of clinical psychologists in the country is not maintained centrally."

Another question was asked in the Parliament regarding this issue. It inquired if the COVID 19 had worsened the mental health crisis in India? 

To this the Government replied that it had not conducted any study to assess the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on the mental health of the population. 

The Government also stated that it took many steps to provide mental health/ psychological support to the citizens. 

Status of Mental Health patients in India:

Mental health is a non-talked about topic in India. In many places it is considered a taboo to talk about it. Patients with depressed state of mind are seen with lower respect in public and society. 

What does WHO say?

As per the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019 (before the pandemic stuck):

7.5% of the Indian population suffered from mental disorders. 

Mental instability and illness constituted one sixth of the health disorders in India.This means that more than 13 crore patients in India.

This number was nearly 15% of the global mental health and substance abuse disorder patients. 

India had less than 4000 mental health professionals.

Mental Health: Why is it an issue

• Neglected sector: Mental Health can be considered as a neglected area in the Indian society as well as many other parts of the world. Not many doctors or health care professionals are available in this area.

• Social Stigma: Depressed patients on admitting their depression levels are looked down upon and treated as lost minds or mentally sick. There are chances for them to be cut off from the society which is why they never come out to accept their medical condition. 

• Mind Impacts Body: The mind does impact one's body. Mental health also affects the rest of your body parts. 

• Treatment Gap: As per WHO in India the number of patients of mental health has crossed 13 crores with only less than 4000 doctors to manage them. The gap is thus very wide. 

• COVID 19 Impact: The COVID 19 pandemic has left India and the world torn. This is why mental health has to be taken into account. 

• Abusive life of mental patients: Mental health is not discussed as such patients are prone to physical and social abuse in any part of the society. 

Schemes launched by the Government for Mental Health

• National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in 1982

• National Mental Health Act in 1987

• District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) in 1996

• Rights of Persons with disabilities Act in 2016

• Mental Health Care Act in 2017- This act made a way for the establishment of the Central Mental Health Authority and State Mental Health Authority as well. 

Mental Health is a serious issue that needs to be taken into cognizance by the Government of India. The pandemic brought with it uncertainty, fear, and anxiety. This is unacceptable of the Government to say that the details of the mental health workers are not available to them. Regular surveys must be conducted, talking about mental health must be promoted. 

What are the methods of peer support?

Some examples include:

• support groups or self-help groups. These are run by trained peers and focus on emotional support, sharing experiences, education and practical activities.

• one-to-one support sometimes called mentoring or befriending.

• online forums.

What is the most effective treatment for most mental health disorders?

Psychological therapies can be helpful for most people affected by mental health issues. For some mental health conditions, medications can also be helpful. Other support options include counselling, peer support, and community support services.

How do you deal with a mentally unstable family member?

1. Learn about mental illness and addiction.

2. Talk to your family member about your concerns, and encourage them to seek support.

3. Get support for yourself and your family.

4. Take care of yourself.

5. Support other family members.

What is the hardest mental illness to live with?

Borderline personality disorder is one of the most painful mental illnesses since individuals struggling with this disorder are constantly trying to cope with volatile and overwhelming emotions.25 Sept 2019What is the most severe form of mental illness?

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that causes people to interpret reality abnormally. People may experience hallucinations, delusions, extremely disordered thinking and a reduced ability to function in their daily life.

What are the 5 major psychiatric disorders?

Such disorders include autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, major depression and schizophrenia. Symptoms can overlap and so distinguishing among these 5 major psychiatric syndromes can be difficult.

What is the government scheme for mental illness?

The National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) is a government scheme launched in 1982 with the objective of providing accessible and affordable mental health services to all individuals in India.28 Apr 2023

What is Section 97 of the Mental Health Act?

(b) it is authorised by the psychiatrist in charge of the person's treatment at the mental health establishment. (2) Physical restraint shall not be used for a period longer than it is absolutely necessary to prevent the immediate risk of significant harm.

What is Section 103 of the mental health Act?

Such a provision has been made under Section 103 of the Act under Chapter XIII. If a prison's medical wing does not have a psychiatric ward, the aforementioned rule allows for the transfer of a prisoner with a mental illness to a mental health facility after acquiring approval of the concerned board.

What is the name of the act passed in India for mental patients?

The Mental Healthcare Act 2017 aims to provide mental healthcare services for persons with mental illness. It ensures that these persons have a right to live life with dignity by not being discriminated against or harassed.

The 4 Tasks of Intentional Peer Support Building Connection

• Building Connection.

• Helping each other understand how we've come to know what we know (worldview)

• Re-defining help as a co-learning and growing process (mutuality)

• Moving towards what we want, rather than away from what we don't want.

Studies conducted on the effectiveness of peer support interventions for persons with severe mental illness have found a positive association study conducted on the effectiveness of peer support interventions for persons with severe mental illness have found a positive association between peer support and hope, recovery, and empowerment at and beyond the end of the intervention.

 Peer support available evidence suggests that peer work is a safe, effective, flexible and cost-effective intervention for adults, which promotes hope, empowerment, patient activation and self-efficacy, and reduces hospitalisations. 

How do I report a mentally unstable person in India?

Process followed

Dial Toll- Free number 1800-599-0019 from any mobile or land line of any telecom network from any part of India.

After welcome message, select language by pressing correct button; After the language selection, Select State/UT, you will get connected to the Helpline Centre of native or desired state.

Dr Jyotirmoy Samajder

asimh.0023@gmail.com

9007056666

23.02.2024

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