Mental Health in India is Still Surrounded by Stigma
Mental Health in India is Still Surrounded by Stigma
Mental disorder is not shameful, but the stigma is. Sadly, stigma aggravates the condition of people suffering from mental illness.
“A report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed that 7.5 per cent of the Indian population suffers from some form of mental disorder. Mental illnesses constitute one-sixth of all health-related disorders and India accounted for nearly 15% of the global mental, neurological and substance abuse disorder burden.” [Source: Economic Times]
The irony is that instead of understanding the necessity to address the mental illness, we are still struggling to unveil the stigma attached to it. The foremost battle we Indians have to fight and conquer is to move past the stigma around mental illness.
Due to the stigma associated with mental illness, a lack of awareness, and limited access to professional help, only 10-12% of these sufferers will seek help.
Indian People’s Understanding of Mental Health
The study showed that while 87% of the respondents showed some awareness of mental illness, 71% also used terms associated with stigma.
The above graph clearly shows that stigma and awareness are two separate issues although interlinked. This needs to be addressed and tackled. If we continue to view mental illness with resistance, it will remain difficult for people with mental illness or mental health concerns to seek the help.
People’s attitudes towards those affected
World Economic Forum also released a study to know the attitude of Indian people about the people got affected.
Break the Stigma – 7 Everyday Things You Can Do
Every individual and members of the society can play a significant role in reducing the stigma around mental health by taking few steps.
#1 Separate individual from their disorder
One should always remember that the mental illness or disorders is just a part of that person and it doesn’t define the person.
Instead of saying, “he is autistic or she is schizophrenic”, we should say, “he is suffering from autism or she is having schizophrenia.”
#2 Acknowledge the mental illness facts
Always ignore the myths built around mental health disorders and instead acknowledge the prevalent facts and reality and about it.
#3 Educate ourselves as well as others
It is in respect to the above point. It is highly important for each of us to educate ourselves about mental health, and disorders. Spread the knowledge to others whenever possible.
#4 Empathize
We need to understand the one suffering from mental illness. Place yourself in their shoes and see the world from their perspective. Showing compassion to them is something really needed.
#5 Inclusion
People with mental disorders have every right to take an equal part in the society. We should include them in various aspects. Let them live an empowered life.
#6 Encourage them
Encouragement can really help them be comfortable with themselves. So encourage and support people suffering from mental illness.
#7 Mental illness is not different from physical illness
This is much important that we should accept the fact both mental illness and physical illness are on the same level. If one is not being judged negatively, then who are we to judge them if they are seeking help for their mental illness.
Wrapping Up…
We should acknowledge and accept the wide range of emotions human beings can feel, inclusive of hatred, love, sadness, anger, empathy, sympathy and others. Right now is the high time that we realize and learn the art of feeling emotions as they are and help a fellow human being in their journey of the same.
We must all learn to identify and red-flag signs of mental health concerns in ourselves and in others. WHO also predicts that by 2020, roughly 20 per cent of India will suffer from mental illnesses. And to cater to this demographic, we have less than 4,000 mental health professionals.
At Samvedana, Dr. Parth Vaishnav (Psychiatrist in Ahmedabad) and his team, aims to sensitize the public about the demand of the time, have an open conversation about mental illness and build a better society which engulfs the struggles of each individual as their own. Dr. Parth always believes that,
In the times of technology & gadgets, we need to step back and realize the power of a dialogue. – Dr. Parth Vaishnav
