Prevalence and impact of mental disorders

Mental health refers to an individual’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how people think, feel, and behave in daily life. It also affects decision-making, stress management, and relationships. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.

Mental disorders are serious conditions that can affect your thinking, mood, and behaviour. They may be occasional or long-lasting. They can affect your ability to relate to others and function each day. Mental disorders are common; many Americans will be diagnosed with one at some time in their life. But there are treatments. People with mental disorders can get better, and many of them recover completely.

Many mental health conditions can be effectively treated at relatively low cost, yet health systems remain significantly under-resourced and treatment gaps are wide all over the world. Mental health care is often poor in quality when delivered. People with mental health conditions often also experience stigma, discrimination and human rights violations.

Mental health conditions include mental disorders and psychosocial disabilities as well as other mental states associated with significant distress, impairment in functioning or risk of self-harm. In 2019, 970 million people globally were living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depression the most common, as it can cause difficulties in all aspects of life, including relationships with family, friends and community. They can result from or lead to problems at school and at work.

Globally, mental disorders account for 1 in 6 years lived with disability. People with severe mental health conditions die 10 to 20 years earlier than the general population. And having a mental health condition increases the risk of suicide and experiencing human rights violations.

The economic consequences of mental health conditions are also enormous, with productivity losses significantly outstripping the direct costs of care. Mental health is the overall wellness of how you think, behave and manage your feelings. A mental health condition may be present when patterns or changes in thinking, feeling, or behaving cause distress or disrupt a person’s ability to do daily activities.

Cultural norms and social expectations also play a role. There is no standard measure across all cultures that says when a behavior becomes a problem. What might be acceptable in one culture may be a cause for concern in another. Many people who have mental health conditions think their symptoms are just part of life and don’t need attention. Some people avoid treatment out of shame or fear. If you’re concerned about your mental health, talk to a member of your healthcare team. Help is available.

Mental, neurological, and substance use disorders account for over 10% of the global disease burden, but about 85% of individuals in low-income and middle-income countries lack access to treatment. The WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health (2019–2023) was introduced to explore the strategies to strengthen mental health systems in nine such countries. A mid-term review of this WHO Special Initiative was conducted against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and its increased demand for mental health services, which identified three areas of strategic action: a) political prioritisation to improve mental health policy and increase funding for health systems transformation; b) developing a sustainable model of mental healthcare, and c) promoting a collaborative and contextualised approach for change.

In India, the overall prevalence of common mental disorders (CMDs), encompassing depressive and anxiety disorders, was 5.1% in the 2016 National Mental Health Survey, with a treatment gap of 80.4%. Persons with mental health issues face many challenges while reaching out to mental health services. These challenges are compounded among people from marginalised populations or hard-to-reach areas, leading to inconsistent usage of these services. The consequent treatment gap can be attributed to the unequal distribution of mental health resources and the variable implementation of mental health policies.

Parents of children with special needs often face serious mental health challenges, including depression, frustration, and anxiety. A primary cause of this stress is the lack of adequate resources, such as access to appropriate schooling and necessary medical or therapeutic services for their children. Special education and early intervention programs are often insufficient or difficult to access, leaving parents to navigate a complex and underdeveloped system.

With few positive outlets for growth and a lack of strong mental health support, many young people have turned to harmful coping methods, such as drug use and self-harm. Tragically, suicide rates have also surged, particularly among the youth, highlighting the severity of the mental health crisis in the region. Drug abuse is also a growing concern, as substance use has become a coping mechanism for many who feel disconnected from society and lack proper support systems. The alarming increase in suicides, particularly among youths, reflects the dire need for intervention and mental health support tailored to their specific challenges.

Addressing the mental health crisis in Jammu & Kashmir requires a multi-faceted approach. First and foremost, there is an urgent need to increase awareness and advocacy about mental health and reduce the stigma surrounding it. Community based initiatives, such as awareness campaigns and workshops across various locations in Jammu & Kashmir, can help encourage people to seek help. Additionally, schools, colleges, and universities can play a key role in educating young people about mental well-being. There is also an immediate need for greater investment in mental health services in Jammu and Kashmir.

The author is a freelance writer.