Healthy Mind Indispensable for Physical Health

  •   Tue, Oct 10 2023
  •   By Dr Supriya Hegde Aroor

October 10, 2023

October 10 is World Mental Health Day. Theme of the year 2023 is mental health is a universal human right!

In our country around 14% of the population has some form of mental illness. Nearly 56 million people in our country are suffering from depression, with another 38 million suffering from anxiety disorders. Suicide rates are increasing to an alarming number. As per the World Health Organisation, the economic cost of poor mental health in the country will be over $1.03 trillion between 2012 and 2030.

Mental health impacts physical and emotional health. Since it affects society and productivity, India needs better mental health care. Mental illness renders an individual dysfunctional and his contribution to society reduces. Untreated mental illness can increase burden on family and society at large.

Mental health services and resources are concentrated in the urban areas. Rural areas are lacking in mental health infrastructure and hence services.

We require improved access to mental health resources such as hospitals, beds, outpatient programmes, and staff. Increased Government spending on mental health and neurological research can help close the huge gaps in the treatment of mental health conditions.

The DMHP (district mental health programme) is doing a commendable job but more needs to be done.

Budget has to be increased for public participation, support hotlines, and NGO s are necessary too.

Mental health and physical health are interrelated. A healthy mind dwells in a healthy body. Mental illness can negatively impact physical health. More education about topics pertaining to mental health needs to be disseminated to the public. It is also now time to take this to the next level by establishing centres of excellence and upgrading psychiatric departments in medical schools across the country.

Stigma about taking treatment from mental health professionals is also an issue that needs addressing. Mind is a substrate of the brain. Denying it treatment when it needs one is not a smart thing to do. We as a society should be more inclusive and receptive when it comes to mental health and well-being.

Let’s do our bit on this World Mental Health Day to raise awareness about mental illness and its treatment.

 

 
By Dr Supriya Hegde Aroor
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