Mental health issues transcend all age groups: AIIMS expert

World Mental Health Day, observed annually on October 10, concludes with World Mental Health Week (October 4-10). Established in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health and endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), this day emphasises the importance of mental health as integral to overall well-being.

Professor Dr Nand Kumar, Head of the Department of Psychiatry at the AIIMS, Delhi, says: “Mental health is like physical health. It depends on our thoughts, feelings and emotions. Good mental health means being able to cope with the normal stresses of life and maintain functioning in work and daily life.”

Common mental health disorders

Common mental health disorders (CMDs) include anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), somatic symptom disorders and insomnia. Dr Kumar explains, “Anxiety is normal in certain situations, but it becomes a disorder when worry is excessive, persistent over months, and interferes with daily activities such as work, study or family life.”

Depression is identified when “low mood persists for at least two weeks, accompanied by loss of interest in activities, social withdrawal, decreased energy and feelings of hopelessness. Occasionally, thoughts of self-harm may appear.”

10.6% adults suffer from mental disorders

India faces a significant mental health challenge. The National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) of 2015-16 reported that 10.6 per cent of adults suffer from mental disorders, equating to approximately 150 million individuals in need of active medical intervention. The Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 estimated that 197.3 million people in India had mental disorders, including 45.7 million with depressive disorders.

Treatment gaps and regional disparities

Despite the high prevalence, treatment remains limited. The NMHS indicates that the treatment gap for mental disorders ranges between 70 per cent and 92 per cent, with common mental disorders like depression and anxiety having gaps of 85.2 per cent and 84.0 per cent, respectively.

Urban areas, while having more accessible treatment facilities, often lack awareness. Dr Kumar notes, “Many individuals do not recognise depression or anxiety as medical conditions.”

Impact on various age groups

Mental health issues affect all age groups. Youth face pressures from academics and social media, middle-aged adults experience work-related stress and older adults may experience social isolation due to separation from family.

Dr Kumar notes, “One out of five people may develop a mental health disorder at some point in life,” consistent with global estimates.