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News18
6 days ago
- Health
- News18
SC adds NHRC to PIL for law on mental health care
Agency: PTI Last Updated: New Delhi, Jul 16 (PTI) The Supreme Court on Friday directed the National Human Right Commission to be made a party to the PIL for the implementation of a 2017 law on safeguarding the rights and needs of persons with mental illnesses. A bench comprising Justices P S Narasimha and Atul S Chandurkar asked petitioner Gaurav Kumar Bansal to file an application to make rights body NHRC a party to the PIL filed in 2018. The bench said the PIL may be transferred to the NHRC for implementing the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017. Bansal said a committee headed by a former apex court judge could be set up to oversee the implementation. 'We cannot create a parallel mechanism just because the existing system has any flaws," the bench said. The bench, in the meantime, asked Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the Centre, to share its affidavit with Bansal and posted the hearing after three weeks. The bench had previously said Parliament enacted the Mental Healthcare Act in 2017 which contemplates establishment of 'Central Mental Health Authority (CMHA), State Mental Health Authority (SMHA) and Mental Health Review Board (MHRB)". The top court on March 2 directed Centre to file an affidavit indicating the establishment and functioning of the Central Mental Health Authority, State Mental Health Authority and Mental Health Review Board. The affidavit was further ordered to show the statutory and mandatory appointments to the authority and the review board. On January 3, 2019, the apex court issued notices to the Centre, all states and Union Territories on the petition which has claimed that non-implementation of provisions of the Act by the states and UTs was a gross violation of life and liberty of the citizens. Taking note of an incident, the bench said chaining people with mental illness was violative of their rights under Article 21 of the Constitution, which deals with life and personal liberty, and their dignity cannot be compromised. The PIL argued persons with mental illnesses were chained in a faith-based mental asylum in Budaun district of Uttar Pradesh in violation of provisions of the Mental Health Care Act 2017. The court examined the photos of such patients calling it a matter of great concern. The PIL said chaining a person suffering from mental illness was a blatant violation of a provision of the 2017 Act which says that every such person shall not only have a right to live with dignity but he or she shall be protected from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. Referring to the National Mental Health Survey 2016, he has claimed that around 14 per cent of India's population requires active mental health interventions and around 2 per cent Indians were suffering from severe mental disorders. PTI SJK SJK AMK AMK (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: July 18, 2025, 13:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Hindu
28-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Why India needs comprehensive school mental health programmes
India finds itself at a critical juncture concerning mental health, with the most recent surveys and studies painting a stark picture. The National Mental Health Survey 2015-2016, though about a decade old, revealed alarming statistics: approximately 10.6% of the population has grappled with mental health issues at some point, with 13.7% currently affected as of then. Scope of the issue A study published in a journal, Scientific Reports (2022) on mental health status in students revealed that 27% of children and adolescents experienced depression, 26% had anxiety disorders, 7% exhibited hyperactivity, and 9%, 19%, and 15% experienced emotional, conduct, and peer problems, respectively. Moreover, the student suicide rate reported in this study is 9%, which surpasses the rate reported by the National Crime Record Bureau (2022), standing at 7.6%. There has been a staggering 32% increase in student suicides from 2017 to 2022. Depression and suicides are not the only mental health issues of rising concern in the country: a study published in General Psychiatry (2021) found that internet addiction among students in 19 states of India ranges from 19.9% to 40.7%. This high prevalence highlights the growing issue of internet dependency among young people in the country. Further, recent clinical and community-level observations underscore the rising tide of behavioural addictions among Indian youth, most prominently related to excessive use of social media, video games, online pornography, and mobile phones. These addictions are often linked with poor academic performance, sleep disturbances, emotional dysregulation, and familial conflict. Data from de-addiction clinics like SHUT Clinic at NIMHANS shows that technology-related behavioural issues now constitute a significant proportion of youth mental health concerns. Despite this, such addictions are often under-recognised and under-treated, due to stigma, lack of awareness, and insufficient inclusion in mainstream school mental health discussions. This emerging pattern necessitates urgent attention in policy and programming. How far have we reached? In the past, India has taken some necessary steps to tackle public mental health issues. Now, it is crucial to carefully assess these actions' scale, strategy, and impact. This assessment will guide us in taking further steps that are both effective and efficient, ensuring maximum benefit for all. One such impact of our decision is India's relative success in curbing suicide rates compared to other countries. A study published in the journal, World Journal of Psychiatry (2022) examined and compared suicide rates globally, regionally, and nationally from 2000 to 2019. An analysis of the published results of this study demonstrated significant progress in India in reducing suicide rates from 19.1 to 12.9 per 100,000 persons over the last two decades (2000-2019). This decline surpasses Japan's reduction to 5.9 per 100,000 persons and South Africa's to 3.1 per 100,000 people. Canada and Australia saw marginal decreases of 0.4 and 0.5 suicides per 100,000 persons, respectively, while the United States experienced an increase to 4.5 suicides per 100,000 persons. Proactive steps to tackle mental health issues include initiatives like the National Mental Health Programme running since 1982, the District Mental Health Programmes, and the newly-introduced National Tele Mental Health Programme. Gaps persist Despite these efforts however, a stark treatment gap persists, with the National Mental Health Survey revealing that only 29% of individuals with psychiatric disorders receive treatment, leaving 71% untreated. This gap underscores the mismatch between demand and supply in mental health services. To bridge gaps, policy-makers must focus on community-based services and school mental health initiatives. Urgent investment in mental health is crucial to reduce disparities and address this escalating crisis. It is essential for stakeholders, such as governmental bodies, policy-makers, educational institutions, parents, students, media, and researchers, to prioritise mental health care. Integrating mental health education, resilience building, and coping skill training into regular school and college activities and school curricula will create a supportive environment to promote mental well-being in educational institutions in India. Why do schools hold strategic importance? A mental health study published in another reputed international journal in 2024 on students' suicide in India provides insight into how to tackle this public particular mental health challenge. It identifies patterns, trends and crucial risk factors, emphasising the urgency of improving school-based mental health interventions in India to tackle rising suicide rates. Global mental health agendas, such as the World Health Organization's Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030, emphasise the pivotal role of schools in promoting mental health awareness and supporting adolescents. School-based suicide prevention, early socio-emotional skills development and anti-bullying programmes are essential components of comprehensive mental health strategies. The World Mental Health Report (2022), WHO, emphasises the vital role of schools in addressing mental health issues through education, supportive environments, and collaboration with health services. By enhancing mental health literacy, training educators, and involving parents and communities, schools can effectively promote the mental well-being of young people. Key strategies in implementation and call for action Given India's vast student population, integrating digital mental health services like the nationwide helpline Tele-MANAS (1-800-891-4416) in educational institutions is essential. Establishing a Mental Health Advisory Board (MHAB) comprising trained teachers under institutional leadership can facilitate structured mental health initiatives. Schools must conduct mental health orientations for teachers and students, fostering resilience through workshops and peer support. Providing structured psychological support before, during, and after exams can help students manage anxiety and distress. Also, parents and teachers should adopt stress-free communication strategies to foster a positive environment, emphasising that education is just one aspect of personal growth and development. Institutions should promote helplines such as Tele-MANAS and others to ensure students seek timely support. Embedding these mental health initiatives in education will foster student well-being, resilience and academic success, creating a more inclusive learning environment. Therefore the main recommendations are : establishing a Special Task Force on Mental Health in Educational Institutions to prioritise the well-being of students and staff; integrating mental health services in educational institutions through district mental health services, Tele-MANAS and other possible alternative ways and having district mental health teams train ASHA and Anganwadi workers in illness identification, psychological first aid for children and mothers and to recognise the need for referral to advanced mental health services if needed. Role of educational regulatory bodies To prioritise mental health in education, mental health audits should be included in the accreditation process of educational institutions from primary to higher education. Integrate tele-counselling skills into master 's-level psychology and social work courses to prepare students for remote mental health support. The establishment and implementation of Mental Health Advisory Boards (MHABs) as per directives from the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), and the Government of India agencies should be mandated. A team of school counsellors trained and led by mental health professionals (e.g., psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and psychiatric social workers) should be formed. This team could collaborate with the institute's MHAB to train teachers and students to promote mental health in educational institutions. Media also plays a vital role -- publishing weekly editions of educative, informative and skill-building editorials, along with dedicated sections in local language newspapers, to enhance mental health awareness; providing insights into treatment options, and improving accessibility to mental health services can go a long way. Hosting weekly programs on television, news channels, radio, YouTube and Instagram featuring discussions, mental health bulletins and informative shows for parents and students will help. In conclusion, school mental health programmes play a crucial role in promoting mental well-being, preventing mental illnesses, and reducing stigma. With comprehensive efforts and national implementation, these programmes can potentially transform mental health outcomes for students and communities across India. (Dr. Manoj K. Pandey is professor & head, department of clinical psychology, Post Graduate Institute of Behavioural & Medical Sciences, Raipur, CG. manojpandey813@ Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma is professor, department of clinical psychology, SHUT Clinic (Service for Healthy Use of Technology), National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, Bengaluru. shutclinic@
The Hindu
26-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
A call to rethink masculinity in India: destigmatising men's mental health
June, designated as Men's Mental Health Month, offers a vital opportunity to confront a silent epidemic. In India, where cultural norms often equate masculinity with stoicism, men's mental health remains shrouded in stigma, under-discussed and under-addressed. The statistics are sobering: according to the National Mental Health Survey (2015-16), nearly 15% of Indian adults face mental health challenges, with men disproportionately affected by issues like substance abuse and suicide. Globally, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, as per World Health Organization (WHO) data. Yet, societal expectations—rooted in phrases like 'mard ko dard nahi hota' (men don't feel pain)—continue to stifle conversations about men's emotional struggles. The weight of expectations From boyhood, men are conditioned to embody strength, suppress vulnerability, and prioritise provision over self-care. In India, these expectations are amplified by a patriarchal framework that places men as breadwinners and protectors, often at the cost of their emotional well-being. Take Arjun*, a 32-year-old IT professional from Bengaluru, whose story mirrors countless others. After losing his job during a tech layoff in 2023, Arjun grappled with anxiety and sleeplessness. 'I couldn't tell my family,' he shared in a session. 'They depended on me. Admitting I was struggling felt like failing as a man.' Arjun's silence is emblematic of a broader issue: men are taught that emotional expression is weakness, leaving them to internalise pain. Economic pressures exacerbate this. India's rapid urbanisation and competitive job markets pile stress on men, particularly in metro cities where financial stability is equated with self-worth. Social media posts by young men anonymously venting about burnout abound, with hashtags like #MenToo and #MentalHealthMatters. Yet, these digital cries often don't translate into real-world support. Cultural narratives—bolstered by Bollywood's hyper-masculine heroes—reinforce the idea that men must 'tough it out,' whether facing workplace stress, relationship breakdowns, or personal loss. The stigma barrier Stigma is the biggest roadblock to men seeking mental health support. In rural areas, where mental health literacy is low, men are often dismissed as 'weak' or labeled with derogatory terms if they express emotional distress. Urban India fares little better; therapy is still seen as a luxury or a sign of failure. The lack of accessible mental health infrastructure doesn't help. India has just 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, as per WHO, and mental health services are concentrated in urban centres. For men in tier-2 cities or rural areas, seeking help often means navigating long distances or unaffordable private care. Moreover, mental health campaigns in India rarely target men specifically, focusing instead on women or children. This gap leaves men's issues—like workplace stress, loneliness, or trauma from societal expectations—largely unaddressed. The suicide crisis The most alarming consequence of this neglect is the rising male suicide rate. In 2022, the National Crime Records Bureau reported 1.7 lakh suicides in India, with men accounting for nearly 72%. Young men aged 18-30, grappling with unemployment, academic pressure, or relationship issues, are particularly vulnerable. Men's reluctance to seek help, compounds this crisis. Unlike women, who are more likely to confide in friends or family, men often lack safe spaces for emotional expression. Traditional male friendships in India revolve around banter or shared activities, rarely delving into personal struggles. This isolation drives men toward maladaptive coping mechanisms—alcohol, substance abuse, or aggression. The WHO notes that men in India are twice as likely as women to develop alcohol dependence, often as a response to unaddressed stress. Pathways to change Breaking this cycle demands a multi-pronged approach, starting with dismantling stereotypes. Media plays a crucial role here. Recent movies have normalised therapy, but we need more narratives showcasing men embracing vulnerability. Male voices on social media platforms are already challenging norms by sharing stories of therapy or burnout. Campaigns like 'Movember', which focus on men's health, could gain traction in India with localised efforts, encouraging men to share their vulnerabilities, and address mental health challenges. Education is another cornerstone. Schools must integrate emotional literacy into curricula, teaching boys that vulnerability is strength, not weakness. Community-level initiatives, like men's support groups in villages or workplaces, can create safe spaces for dialogue. Efforts are on in the private sector to offer gender-sensitive mental health programmes for men. Scaling such efforts requires government backing—perhaps through dedicated men's mental health policies or subsidised counselling services. Workplaces, too, must step up. Corporate India's high-pressure environments often glorify overwork, particularly for men. Companies have introduced employee wellness programmes, but these need to explicitly address men's mental health, offering confidential counselling or stress management workshops. Normalising mental health days—akin to sick leave—could reduce burnout. Finally, families play a pivotal role. Encouraging open communication, where men feel safe discussing fears or failures, can bridge the emotional gap. Women, as partners or mothers, can challenge traditional expectations by validating men's emotions rather than dismissing them. A call to action Men's Mental Health Month is more than a calendar event; it is a call to rethink masculinity in India. By fostering a culture where men can express pain without shame, we not only save lives but also build stronger communities. This requires collective effort—from policymakers funding mental health services to individuals challenging stereotypes in daily conversations. Let us strive to create a world where that is true for every man. The path forward isn't easy, but it is urgent. Let us break the silence, one story at a time. *Name changed to protect privacy (Dr. Alok Kulkarni is a senior consultant and interventional psychiatrist at the Manas Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Hubli, Karnataka. alokvkulkarni@
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
When work means wellness
Hospitals and not-for-profits have begun holding job fairs and employment programmes to help those with mental illness move from isolation to independence. CHENNAI: For nine out of 10 people, a job is about a salary. But for one of them, it could be about recovery. As per the National Mental Health Survey 2015-2016, one in ten people in India suffers from mental disorders. What makes matters worse is that most of them find it difficult to get employment, which is a crucial step in their path to wellbeing. 'Mental illness can leave a person feeling worthless, physically, emotionally and financially, even within their own family. Just as physiotherapy helps surgical patients regain strength, employment can help with psychiatric rehabilitation,' says psychiatrist Dr C Ramasubramanian. Which is why a few psychiatrists, hospitals and not-for-profits have begun running job fairs and employment programmes to help those with mental illness move from isolation to independence. Among the most prominent is a free employment exchange run by city-based Schizophrenia Research Foundation (Scarf) in partnership with Chennai Psychiatric Society. More than 200 people and 20 employers gathered at their job fair on Saturday, open exclusively to all with mild to severe mental illness. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo It was a response so overwhelming that Scarf has planned another on Dec 3, World Disability Day. 'Scarf also trains candidates in resume writing, interview skills and basic technical competencies before the fair,' says Dr R Mangala, psychiatrist and programme coordinator. 'But I've found that training candidates is not as much of a challenge as it is to change employer attitudes.' At the fair, she says, doctors are always asked: Will they turn violent in the workplace? Will they take leave frequently? Can they handle only basic tasks?' Her answer: 'No, no, and no. And we're happy to keep repeating it if it means at least one more employer is willing to listen.' Once convinced, some employers become steady supporters, says Dr Mangala. The Indian Oil petrol station outside the Scarf office in Anna Nagar now regularly hires people recovering from mental illness. 'We've never had a complaint from him or the employees,' she says. Research shows returning to work restores self-esteem, says Dr Aarti Jagannathan, consultant in psychiatric rehabilitation at Nimhans which runs a similar programme. 'We conducted a govt-supported study after the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 came into effect to assess whether people with severe mental health issues such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder could be employed and, more importantly, sustain those jobs.' More than half of those who came in for vocational rehabilitation were placed, she says. Follow-ups show most clients have stayed in their jobs for at least a year, supported by regular OPD visits and check-in calls to manage medication and workplace issues. Nimhans is now working with the Karnataka govt to identify job/ post identifications for people with mental illness under the 4% disability quota. Scarf and Nimhans use assessment tools to classify candidates as job-ready, trainable with support, or needing further engagement, based on which they also offer rehab plans, job matching and counselling. 'People with mental illness value employment,' says Dr Aarti. 'We haven't formally tracked attrition, but our experience shows they tend to stay longer because they know how hard-won the opportunity is.' Some return to jobs they held before the illness. Others, whose illness may have led to cognitive decline, are guided toward lower-stress, lower-pressure jobs. 'Night shifts are discouraged, as disrupted sleep can trigger relapse,' says Dr Mangala. 'Most people with mental illness don't struggle with tasks or technology, they freeze in social situations,' says D Srinivasan, district manager at Magic Bus, which trains young adults to be job-ready. Magic Bus runs a 45-day programme for youth aged 18-25 from low-income backgrounds. 'We use activity-based learning to help them open up,' says Srinivasan. 'When asked to describe themselves as an animal or object, for instance, we found many say 'ant' indicating they feel insignificant, or 'paper' (discarded), words that help us begin conversations about self-worth.' Ajan Kumar, among those trained at Magic Bus, says he spent years battling depression, making it difficult for him to hold down a job. 'My last job was at a bank, which I had to leave in 2024,' says the 35-year-old who was also diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder a year ago. 'It is hard for me to talk to people.' Trainees learn basic workplace skills like introducing themselves on their first day at work. A buddy system pairs them with empathetic peers, and HR managers meet candidates in advance to ease stigma. In two years, 54 youth with mental illness have been trained, and 34 placed in retail and IT roles, says Srinivasan. Scarf has placed 162 people in jobs over the past three years, while Dr Ramasubramanian's M S Chellamuthu Trust and Research Foundation (MSCTRF) has been running a placement programme in Madurai for a decade and matched more than 200 people with employment and self-employment. 'Many patients from rural backgrounds are given agro-based rehabilitation,' says Janarthana Babu, MSCTRF coordinator. 'We have tied up with a state university so they can earn diplomas, get loans, buy livestock, and make a living selling milk.' Rural Tamil Nadu seems to be more inclusive, say psychiatrists. People with mental illnesses find work in agriculture, under govt schemes like MGNREGA, or in neighbourhood shops. 'The community knows them, they're given light tasks, and there's no formal hiring process. It works,' says Dr Mangala. In cities, it's harder. There's more commuting, late hours, which for those on medication can lead to relapse. 'What they need is a bit of flexibility, something most companies can't offer,' she adds. Many also choose not to disclose their illness. 'They're doing well, holding jobs, even winning awards, but won't reveal their condition to employers,' says Dr Mangala. One client won a 'best teacher' award; another runs a YouTube channel. Both declined public recognition from Scarf. 'The stigma, especially among educated professionals, is still huge.' Ajan says that's why he chooses to speak up. 'I want more people to talk freely about what they're going through. Why should we have to hide? We exist and we want to work.' 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Hindustan Times
11-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Why More Indians Are Considering Online Therapy Over Traditional Counselling
In a country where the stigma around mental health can still be present, a shift is occurring in how some Indians are seeking emotional support. Increasingly, people are exploring a more accessible option: the online therapist. From young professionals to new parents, from students to caregivers, Indians are exploring virtual therapy sessions that offer privacy, comfort, and flexibility — without stepping outside their homes. The National Mental Health Survey indicates that a notable portion of India's population experiences mental distress — yet, many still do not seek help. Traditional therapy setups can present some challenges such as: Online platforms are emerging as a way to connect users with therapists in India, potentially offering support at different times and locations. 1. Privacy and AnonymityFor those who might be hesitant to visit a therapist's office, talking to a therapist online offers discreet support. The sessions take place over video, phone, or even chat — aiming to provide a non-judgmental space. 2. Ease of AccessWith a few clicks, users may be able to find a therapist online, schedule a session, and begin therapy, potentially reducing waiting times or commutes. 3. Qualified ProfessionalsPlatforms offering online therapist consultations often aim to connect clients with licensed online therapists who are trained in established approaches such as CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed care. For these groups, accessing a therapist in India online may provide support when it is needed, with a focus on ease of access. Click2Pro isa digital mental health service that aims to connect clients with a licensed online therapist across India. If you are looking to manage anxiety, address trauma, or simply discuss concerns, Click2Pro offers options to: These features position Click2Pro as a platform that may be considered by those seeking an online therapist in India. A common perspective is that therapy is solely for individuals in severe distress. However, in contemporary society, emotional well-being is increasingly recognized as being as important as physical health. Whether navigating a significant life event or seeking clarity and direction, an online therapy service in India may offer coping strategies, insight, and a supportive environment. As digital platforms help reduce barriers, many individuals in India are exploring therapy as a tool for mental resilience rather than solely a last resort. Seeking emotional support no longer means facing stigma or inconvenience. With platforms like Click2Pro, finding an online therapist is now as simple as opening an app which for many in India, could be a meaningful development. Note to the reader: This article is part of Hindustan Times's paid consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. Hindustan Times assumes no editorial responsibility for the content, including its accuracy, completeness, or any errors or omissions. Readers are advised to verify all information independently.
