Mental illness cases high in metro cities: Minister in Parl

In a written reply to a question raised in Parliament regarding the growing concern of mental health issues among various sections of society, Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, said one in 40 people has suffered from depression in the past, while one in 20 is currently experiencing depression. The prevalence of mental illness is notably high in urban metropolitan areas, he added.

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The government’s response referred to findings from the latest National Mental Health Survey (NMHS), which indicates that nearly 15% of adults (above the age of 18) require active intervention for one or more mental health issues.

The survey reveals that common mental disorders, severe mental disorders, and substance use problems are often interlinked, with the middle-aged working population being the most affected. While mental health problems among adolescents and the elderly are also of significant concern, the burden is particularly growing in urban metropolitan areas.

In his reply, Jadhav highlighted that approximately 10.6% of adults over the age of 18 experience mental disorders, including common mental disorders, severe mental disorders, and alcohol and substance use disorders (excluding tobacco use).

Key findings of the NMHS further indicate that mental morbidity is especially prevalent in urban areas and that mental disorders are closely linked to both the causation and consequences of several non-communicable diseases (NCDs).