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As we await the 2023 Union Budget to
see what funds are allocated to mental health, we need to broaden our
perspective and clearly evaluate what we need those funds for exactly.
There was a time when we worried
about the ‘brain drain’. Now, it’s time to worry about the ‘brain strain’. Our
youth is feeling down and out – burnt-out like never before. Stress, anxiety
and depression have reportedly gone up by 35% after the pandemic.
The stressors of this burnout must be
scrutinized minutely. Only then can we establish supportive mechanisms for them.
As the post-pandemic world struggles
to re-stabilize economies, the youth is worried about their careers and future.
Stagnation at work, job or financial insecurity and loss of income are a major
concern today. Pressures in the workplace are leading to the burnout syndrome.
The pandemic isolated us like never
before. The issue of loneliness has now seeped into the very constitution of
the youth. Many are not able to connect with or open up to anyone. The rise in
relationship or family issues is making matters worse.
This mental health burnout crisis
needs to be tackled holistically, including how the solutions are appended to
the mental health budget. In addition to policy-making, we need clear-cut directives
and their implementation.
Budget allocation to mental health
has been a key concern over the years. In 2022, from the 86,200 crores
allocated to healthcare, only 670 crores were allocated to direct expenditure
towards mental health. Out of this, 630 crores went to National Institute of
Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS) and another mental health institution
– LGBRI, leaving only 40 crores for the National Mental Health Program (NMHP),
which delivers 90% of mental health services to the country. An escalated
allocation of funds can give wings to mental-health-related plans and programs.
However, in 2020-21 as per several
published reports, NMHP utilized less than half of the 40 crores allocated to
them. This is a worrying factor. Armed with the mandates of the National Mental
Health Act 2017, NMHP should’ve gone into overdrive and asked for more funds to
create awareness and increase the reach of mental healthcare. It means that the
directives given to NMHP must become more defined.
Mental health literacy holds the key
to solving our mental health crisis. Since the youth is more tech-savvy, digital platforms must be encouraged to not
only create awareness, but also provide mental health support to them at the
click of a button.
In October 2022, 23 Tele MANAS
centres were set up to provide free-of-cost mental health counselling across India.
By way of the 2023 Union budget, more funds and efforts can be allocated
towards creating greater awareness about the Tele MANAS Helpline among the
masses.
While the youth is far more open to
seeking help, the cost of mental health treatment is a major deterrent. At roughly 1000-1500 rupees per session, the
average person cannot afford the 10-20 sessions that are required for potential
recovery. Out-patient mental healthcare needs to become available at all
primary healthcare centres, especially in rural areas. Like treatment for
physical health, it should be offered free-of-cost in all government hospitals.
This needs budgetary allocation on a monumental scale, way beyond the scope of
the allocations so far. This is an area that needs major work.
Stigma towards mental illnesses is still
very common and rampant. People hide their mental health issues from the fear
of being ostracized. This is not just prevalent in the more rural areas, it is
also common amongst the educated and in the corporate world. A directive to NMHP
to create a nationwide campaign on a war footing towards the de-stigmatization
of mental health has to be undertaken.
14% of India reportedly suffers from
mental health issues. But we only have 0.75 psychiatrists for every one lakh
people to cater to this vast demographic. Capacity building is critical. However,
currently there is an extremely limited
curriculum of mental health and psychiatry stems in medical colleges. This is
where grants by the government will make the difference. Mental-health studies as
a stream have to be given more importance in our medical colleges. Funds and
directives are needed to make this happen with a sense of urgency. This will provide the much-needed manpower to
reduce the treatment gap.
In conclusion, the youth are our future.
Our progress is directly connected to their mental well-being. Helping them
emerge from this burnout is crucial and all stakeholders have to pitch in to
turn the tide.
