The annual observance of World Mental Health Day on October 10th is a worldwide effort to raise awareness and mobilize support for mental health issues. The focus of this year’s theme, “Mental Health for All, Greater Investment – Greater Access,” and the unprecedented global online advocacy event hosted by the World Health Organisation (WHO), has been on the impact of COVID-19 on mental health.
The Effects of Covid-19 on Global Mental Health
A consequence of the global pandemic has been an evident increase in mental health problems. Multiple surveys conducted in various countries have revealed significant negative effects on the mental well-being of their populations. The International Society for the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement reported half of their survey respondents’ experienced negative impacts on their mental health. Similarly, Practo, a healthcare company, reported a dramatic 665% surge in mental health consultations, with a majority coming from individuals aged 21-40.
Further worsening the situation, the economic cost of this mental health crisis is expected to exceed USD 16 trillion over the next two decades.
Who are More Vulnerable?
Younger individuals, females, and those with comorbidities have reported more severe psychological effects due to the pandemic. The factors contributing to this include isolation, loss of income, and neurological complications caused by the virus.
Impact of Pandemic on Mental Health Services
The pandemic has severely disrupted or completely halted mental health services in about 93% of countries around the globe.
Funding Challenges for Mental Health Services
World Health Organisation (WHO) highlighted that most countries devote less than 2% of their health budget to mental health, and international aid for health reserves only around 1% specifically for mental health.
Mental Health Scenario in India
A 2020 report in The Lancet Psychiatry indicated a high prevalence of mental disorders in India, with 197.3 million people affected in 2017 alone. The most common mental illnesses were depressive disorder (45.7 million) and anxiety disorder (44.9 million).
Defining the Burden of Mental Illness: DALYs
The burden of disability resulting from disease or disorder is measured in Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). It represents the years lost due to illness, disability, or premature death in a population.
Budgetary Spending on Mental Health in India
Budget allocation for mental health in India saw a reduction in 2020. With the entire healthcare budget of 2018 being Rs. 52,800 crore, only Rs. 50 crore was allocated to mental health, reducing further to Rs. 40 crore the following year.
Mental Health Initiatives in India
The Mental Health Care Act (MHCA) 2017 addresses patient rights during a mental health situation such as the prerogative to designate a representative to make health-related decisions on their behalf. Alongside this, initiatives like KIRAN and Manodarpan provide 24/7 support to individuals facing mental health issues and advocate for improvement in mental health and wellbeing.
The Way Forward
Increasing the number of psychologists and psychiatrists alone is insufficient; stigma and awareness are separate yet interconnected issues that need simultaneous attention. Community partnerships, resource allocation, and empathetic service delivery can contribute significantly towards reducing the social stigma associated with mental illness.
