Youth worldwide often harbor a pervasive sense of dissatisfaction with limited real-world consequences. In India, mental health issues like depression rank among the top causes of the non-fatal disease burden. Comprehensive, consistent, and measurable disease levels can be monitored regionally. The comprehensive measure of DALYs (Disability-adjusted-life-years) accounts for the years of healthy life lost due to disability, disorder, and premature death. One of the metrics used to compute DALYs is YLDs (years lived with disabilities). A thorough study examining the burden of mental health disorders across Indian states from 1990-2017 revealed that mental health was the primary contributor to YLDs in India.
What does the term “diverse mental health” encompass?
Certain demographic groups experience a higher prevalence of mental health challenges and disorders compared to others. These diverse groups may include individuals distinguished by factors such as gender, age, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, physical ability, or socioeconomic status.
Statistics pertaining to mental health in India
Approximately 56 million individuals in India are affected by depression, while 38 million suffer from various anxiety disorders. A significant portion of the allocated budget, nearly 94 percent of the 88 million USD, which constitutes 0.8% of the total budget, is directed towards only two centrally-run government institutions, with one being NIMHANS located in Bangalore. Despite this allocation, the provision of tele-mental health services nationwide by this central agency is yet to be realized. An expert at the Observer Research Foundation highlights concerns that concentrating resources solely on two government-owned institutions could limit the diversity of service offerings and hinder the expansion of professional services in terms of knowledge and geographical reach. With defense spending being five times higher than that of overall healthcare, it suggests that mental health services remain inaccessible in India.
Mental health activist Rhea Werner emphasizes the importance of reflexivity in the internet age. The internet serves as a platform where discussions around mental health are prevalent, influencing cultural discourse. The rise of music streaming in 2018 replacing physical record sales has allowed previously underserved areas to access diverse music, potentially impacting mental health. Justin Staple, a visual artist, notes that contemporary music often carries emotionally charged themes, providing an outlet for expression beyond traditional, possibly repressive communal spaces. Reports indicate a significant number of top singles in 2017 addressing mental health themes.
The 2022 ‘Oxford Word of the Year’ reflects the rejection of social norms by netizens, suggesting a growing trend of societal non-conformity online.
Despite efforts such as the Mental Health Framework of 2017 and funding strategies, there remains a significant gap in societal integration concerning mental health resources. Accountability, alongside diversity, should be a priority in online discussions. It is hoped that through diverse accountability measures, the internet community can collectively work towards dispelling the darkness of mental health challenges, as indicated metaphorically in the song “Sun’s Coming Up” from Lonerism.