The report by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment reveals that 70% of callers on the ‘Kiran Helpline’ launched in September 2020 were males. The helpline aims to provide support to those dealing with mental health issues such as anxiety, stress, depression, suicidal thoughts, among others. The majority of the callers were young adults, thus highlighting the existing concerns regarding mental health in men.
Insights from Data Analysis
Out of the total 13,550 new calls received, 70.5% were from males while 29.5% were from females. A glaring 75.5% of callers fall within the age group of 15 to 40 years, followed by 18.1% from the age group of 41-60 years. The primary concerns raised by callers revolved around anxiety, depression, and issues related to the pandemic, suicidal tendencies, substance abuse, and other miscellaneous problems.
Understanding Male Mental Health
Societal expectations and traditional gender roles have been identified as major factors driving men’s reluctance to discuss or seek help for their mental health issues. Warning signs of mental disorders in men, such as irritability, trouble focusing, tiredness, aches, pains, alcohol or drug abuse often go unnoticed. The situation is aggravated by inadequate research and funding towards men’s health issues, leading to an increase in suicides. As of 2018, approximately 250 Indian men were found to commit suicide daily, outnumbering women by over twice the count.
Mental Health: An Overview
Mental health, as defined by WHO, refers to a state of well-being where an individual realizes his/her own abilities and can cope with life’s normal stresses. It involves being able to work productively and contribute to the community. Like physical health, mental health is important at every stage of life.
Challenges in Mental Health Care
India’s National Mental Health Survey 2015-16 pointed out that nearly 150 million people across India require mental health care interventions. Yet, the country lacks enough mental health workforce, with a meager percentage of psychiatrists (0.3), nurses (0.12), psychologists (0.07), and social workers (0.07) per 100,000 population. Additionally, stigma surrounding mental illness, lack of awareness about symptoms, and abandonment of mentally ill individuals exacerbate the treatment gap, worsening the person’s existing mental condition.
Government Initiatives Addressing Mental Health
The Government has been implementing the National Mental Health Program (NMHP) since 1982 to mitigate the burden of mental disorders and the dearth of professionals in this field. The program was revamped in 2003 to include modernization of state mental hospitals and upgradation of psychiatric wings of medical colleges/general hospitals.
The Mental HealthCare Act 2017 assures every affected person access to mental healthcare and treatment from services run or funded by the government.
Way Forward
Studies emphasize the need to challenge the traditional perceptions of depression and suicide among men and break down the associated stigma via nation-wide campaigns. The focus should be on initiating and sustaining dialogues, challenging dated social norms, and giving voice to the silenced without fear of exclusion or ridicule. Utilizing modern techniques like web-based interventions and e-health tools can also help reach out to those who might otherwise resist seeking help.