October 10, 2023
0 completed
International

World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day is celebrated annually on October 10. This day raises awareness about the different mental health struggles that people face every day and the impact it has on their daily lives. 

It has been reported that mental health conditions among people have worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic. WHO reports that there has been a 25% global increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression. 

While mental health has several impacts on people’s lives, it is still a subject that many people avoid. To bring better awareness, World Mental Health Day was introduced in 1992 by a non-governmental organization (NGO) named World Federation for Mental Health.

According to the statistics of the World Health Organization (WHO), India has the highest population of depression, where one out of three people suffers from depression. It is estimated that 60 to 70 million people in India battle mental illnesses.

The Indian government has actively come forward to help those battling mental illnesses. Several schemes have been launched to make mental health care available to everyone, especially those who are underprivileged and vulnerable. The mental health toll-free helpline number in India is 14416 or 1-800-891-4416.

Some of the Indian government-launched schemes towards improving mental health conditions are mentioned below:

1. National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)

  • Launched– 1982
  • Aim– To provide affordable healthcare to everyone by establishing mental health clinics and mental health programs for free to the poor.

2. District Mental Health Programme (DMHP)

  • Launched– 1996
  • Aim– To provide mental health care at the district level and incorporate mental health services into primary healthcare. 

3. National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS)

  • Launched– 1925
  • Aim– To focus on research and treatment of mental health problems and neurological disorders.

4. Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK)

  • Launched– 2014
  • Aim– To improve the mental health conditions among the youth and adolescents through healthcare clinics and counselling. 

5. Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centres (AB HWC)

  • Launched– 2018
  • Aim– To establish 150,000 health and wellness centres across India by 2022, focused on prevention, early detection and counselling services.

6. Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan

  • Launched– 2020
  • Aim– Help people struggling with mental illnesses, especially after the pandemic, through telemedicine and helpline services.

7. Tele MANAS

  • Launched– 2022
  • Aim– Easy access to mental health care through a multi-language helpline where people can get access to counselling. 
Go To Dashboard