NIMHANS works to end stigma around mental healthcare, highlights early detection for faster treatment access
The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) is concerned about the poor mental literacy levels and is working to reduce stigma around it. This could enable people to access care without any hesitation.
The Institute sees stigma and discrimination as a major constraint to access mental healthcare. Worldwide it is reported that over 70% of young people and adults with mental illness have a reluctance to approach psychiatrists for treatment and the incidence of mental illnesses are far higher in India.
Several epidemiological studies have noted that the compelling reasons to avoid access to treatment are poor early detection of the condition and manifesting at an acute stage. This is primarily driven by ignorance about proper assessment and treatment. Moreover, families and friends are unfair against people who have mental illness and they show utter discrimination against mental illness cases. This has resulted in the low rates of seeking medical attention at the appropriate time.
It is here NIMHANS is now working to offset the stigma and discrimination. They are ensuring to extensively educate people on the need for careful analysis to make certain that a larger segment of the Indian population with mental illness is effectively treated in future.
To this end, NIMHANS has teamed up with several stakeholders in the area of mental health and suicide prevention in an effort to reduce stigma and enhance mental health literacy among the population. In this regard it organised a day-long mega ‘Mental Health Fair’ which according to the Institute is a first of its kind for the public.
According to Dr Pratima Murthy, director, NIMHANS, mental health is a neglected area in India particularly. “The mental health literacy appears to be an underrepresented domain and, as a consequence, professional help seeking attitude towards mental health problems poses a great challenge, according to the National Mental Health Survey 2015-2016.”
“Mental health and physical health are closely related. Mental health is an important component of holistic health. A recent study reveals that 11% of Indians over the age of 18 with psychiatric problems do not receive the required professional treatment. Lack of mental health literacy and social stigma form major barriers in accessing appropriate treatment for mental disorders,” added Dr Murthy.
According to Dr Murthy, there is ample evidence to show that mental health education programmes can increase knowledge and promote an attitude to access treatment options. There is a need for team work and entering into partnerships with those organisations working in the area of mental health to interact and improve mental health literacy which will help in decreasing the stigma.
The fair which was inaugurated by Dr S. Kalyanasundaram, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist and Honorary Advisor, Richmond Fellowship Society, Bengaluru Branch. Leading mental health organizations and partners including Step One, Marga Healing Minds, Medico Pastoral Association, Save India Family Foundation, Destigmatize, Manasa Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Association for the Mentally Challenged, Richmond Fellowship (Aasha Half Way Home), Suicide Prevention India Foundation (SPIF) and Friends of NIMHANS participated. They noted that mental disorders have overpowering implications on the health and well-being not only of individuals but also of families and entire communities. The ensuing emotional distress impacts the ability to cope with stress as well as productivity.
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