Mental health is simply how we feel, behave, and think in response to different situations in our daily lives. It includes the balance between psychological, emotional, and social well-being. Good mental health is vital in effectively facing daily life challenges.
There are several aspects linked to mental health; for instance, good mental health is key to good physical health. In India, people sometimes overlook their mental health by considering daily life stress and anxiety as a normal part of their routine, but this could be dangerous because such common stress can be a symptom of severe mental health disorders. So, it is necessary to understand different types of common and severe mental health illnesses and their symptoms.
Traditional Beliefs and Stigmas Around Mental Health in India
Understanding the stigma of mental health in India is important. It is observed in several surveys that a significant percentage of people in India are still reluctant to reveal problems associated with their mental health and share their experiences, leading to various severe mental disorders. An India Today report from the year 2020 indicates that 74% of respondents knew that they had mental health-related problems. However, only 27% were comfortable talking about them.
There are several reasons in the country that contribute to such behavior in people that make them uncomfortable in discussing their mental illness even with their family and friends; this includes stigma, taboo, and unscientific approaches to handling such issues. A study by the Live Love Laugh Foundation found that 87% of respondents were aware of at least one mental health disorder, and 47% of them believed that individuals living with such conditions should hide them from others due to fear of being judged in society.
This is an alarming situation as avoiding common problems like daily life stress, mild depression, and anxiety leads to severe mental health disorders and ultimately affects an individual, society, and the healthcare sector of the country. According to the Lancet Report 2021, mental health problems contribute to 14.5% of the total disease burden in India.
Different Types of Mental Health Disorders In India
Many people in India suffer from mental health problems. The problems vary from common issues like depression, anxiety, and stress to more severe ones such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, clinical depression, and suicidal tendencies.
Common Types
These impact the quality of life, productivity, and overall well-being of individuals.
1. Depression
In India, depression is one of the most common mental illnesses. It is seen in all generations and levels of the society. Approximately 56 million Indians suffer from depression, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Symptoms associated with depression are
- Sadness
- Loss Of Appetite
- Sleepless Nights
- Fatigue
- Negative Thoughts
2. Anxiety
Social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder are specific kinds of anxiety disorders. A national mental health survey indicates that at least 3.1% of Indians are affected. These rates are mainly due to work stress and social and family-related expectations. Common signs of these disorders are
- Restlessness,
- Inability to Concentrate
- Excessive Sweating and Pounding Heart.
3. Stress
Stress is one of the most common problems that not only affect mental well-being but also the physical health of people. Chronic stress is formed in India as a result of a fast lifestyle, work demands, academic requirements, and family obligations. This gives rise to several health problems like diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
What Are Some Severe Mental Disorders in India?
1. Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a brain disorder, and its symptoms are:
- Abnormal thinking
- Mixed feelings
- Changes in talk and behavior patterns
- The habit of believing things that are not true
- Having unclear thoughts
- Seeing or hearing things that are not there
- Lacking the ability to carry out daily tasks
2. Bipolar Disorder
This disorder includes extreme mood swings, such as manic (high) and depressive (low) episodes. In India, approximately 0.3% of people suffer with bipolar disorder.
Depressive episodes are characterized by:
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Loss of interest in activities
On the other hand, manic episodes are characterized by:
- Heightened mood
- Increased activity and energy
- Decreased need for sleep.
3. Personality Disorders
Personality disorders involve behavior, cognition, and inner experience patterns that are different from cultural expectations and cause distress or impairment. This creates problems in functioning and forming relationships with others. Borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder are examples of common personality disorders.
4. Severe Depression
Severe depression can impair one’s capacity to carry out daily tasks. In such a situation, one needs holistic care, which includes prescription drugs, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications. Symptoms of clinical depression include:
- Loss of interest
- Weight loss or gain
- Lethargy
- Insomnia or hypersomnia,
- Persistent suicidal thoughts.
5. Suicidal Thoughts
In India, suicidal tendencies are one of the most serious concerns. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), more than 130,000 Indians took their own lives in 2018. Suicidal thoughts and actions are frequently linked to untreated mental health conditions such as substance misuse, anxiety, and depression. Social stigma, lack of mental health services, and insufficient support systems contribute to the high rates of suicide.
Need For A More Comprehensive Approach
To deal with different types of mental health disorders in India, there is a need for a holistic approach. It is important to increase awareness and reduce stigma through awareness and education. The government, healthcare professionals, and non-governmental organizations should collaborate to improve the status of mental health in remote locations and poor communities. To improve the condition of mental health, it is necessary to incorporate the concept of mental health in basic healthcare facilities, hire more mental health specialists, and support community-based mental health initiatives.
