What are the common mental health illnesses in India?

Mental health is a global concern, but every country looks at it and deals with it differently. In 2017, then-President Ram Nath Kovind warned about a potential mental health epidemic because almost 10% of India’s population was said to have suffered from more than one mental health illness. 

According to the National Mental Health Survey conducted in 2015-16, 15% of the adults in India suffered from one or the other kind of mental illness. The report also said that mental disorders were prevalent among males, at 13.9%, as opposed to 7.5% of women. It also stated that 7.3% of children aged 13-17 were victims of various mental illnesses.

The Covid-19 pandemic played an immense role in increasing mental health conditions worldwide. After the outbreak of Covid-19 in 2021, the prevalence of anxiety, depression and  Mental issues increased by 25% globally. 

Mental health illness is a sensitive matter since it can affect an individual cognitively and emotionally, gradually changing their thoughts and perceptions. Identifying these conditions early and taking the necessary steps will help control the symptoms and overcome the illness. 

Common mental health illnesses in India

The World Health Organisation has identified the mental health issues that are common in Indians, and they are:

1. Depression

Depression is a common mental health disorder. According to the WHO, one out of 20 individuals in India suffers from depression. As you know, today, India is the most populated country in the world, with a population of 1.428 billion. Another revelation is that depression rates are increasing among young people in India aged between 15-24. Shockingly they consist of 10% of India’s population. The prevalence of depression among this age group ranges from 31% to 57%.

The early signs of depression are constant sadness, loss of interest in personal and social activities, limited or no social interaction, low self-esteem and unusual sleep patterns. If these signs continue for a prolonged period, it may lead to major depressive disorder. For a depressed person, each day feels like a fight for survival. If these symptoms progress and the conditions worsen, it may give rise to suicidal tendencies. 

2. Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder, also known as Manic-Depressive Illness, is another prevailing mental health condition in India. People suffering from this condition show extreme shifts in their mood, energy and activity. They usually tend to experience episodes of mania where they portray elevated moods or tend to reveal symptoms of depression where they are sad. These episodes can last up to days, weeks or months, depending on the range of severity and can be treated with proper counselling and medication. One out of 150 people suffer from this condition.

3. Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorder, also known as generalised anxiety disorder, is an episode of anxiety caused due to the intense fear of something. According to the National Mental Health Survey, around 2% of India’s population suffers from this condition. Anxiety is a common emotion that provokes fear or excitement, but when the frequency and the severity of these episodes increase, it may lead to Anxiety disorder. The common symptoms are irritability, irrational thoughts, restlessness, anger issues, and insomnia. 

4. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a kind of anxiety disorder where the individual wants things in a specific order. The habitual activities you can see are washing hands constantly, repeatedly cleaning their clothes, and organising and reorganising things in a particular fashion. 

5. Schizophrenia

According to the studies, 3 out of 1000 people living in India are affected by Schizophrenia. It is present more in men than in women. Schizophrenia is also like a kind of psychosis, where people start seeing and experiencing things that are not real. It can gradually lead to emotional and behavioural imbalances. One can overcome this condition with proper medication, support and guidance from psychological experts. 

Eating disorders

Eating disorders are one of the most common conditions that are prevalent across the globe. The studies show that Generation Z (people born between 1996-2010) are the ones who are mostly affected. Eating disorders can occur because of psychological reasons. A person suffering from this condition may eat too much or not eat at all. Eating disorder constantly makes them feel distressed or depressed, as they are worried about their body condition. Nearly 2-3% of the Indian population suffers from this condition.