Conversations around mental health have gained momentum, breaking long-held stigmas and encouraging people to speak openly about their struggles. We see more discussions online, celebrities sharing their journeys, and workplaces introducing wellness programmes. But while awareness is growing, there is still one big question: How do you know if you are actually okay? Mental well-being is not as easy to measure as blood pressure or cholesterol levels, and often, we don’t realise something is wrong until it starts affecting our daily lives.
Think about it—when was the last time you checked in on your mental health the same way you do for your physical health? We go for routine checkups to prevent heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses, yet mental health assessments are rarely part of the conversation. Why? Given the increasing stress, burnout, and anxiety that come with modern urban life, it is time we start treating mental health checkups as essential as an annual physical.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as a condition wherein individuals can effectively manage life’s challenges, harness their capabilities, excel in learning and productivity, and actively participate in their communities. This state possesses both inherent and practical significance, forming an essential component of overall well-being.1
Not the new normal
In India, the collective occurrence of common mental disorders (CMDs), including depression and anxiety disorders, stood at 5.1% according to the 2016 National Mental Health Survey, revealing a treatment gap of 80.4%2 Current estimates suggest that close to 15% of the population contends with various mental health challenges including anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders.3
The Economic Survey 2024-25 highlights the rising mental health issues among children and adolescents, linking them to excessive internet and social media use.4 It also pointed out that hostile work environments and long hours at the desk can negatively affect mental health, ultimately slowing economic growth. The survey further emphasised lifestyle choices, workplace culture, and family dynamics play a crucial role in productivity. To achieve India’s economic ambitions, it is essential to address lifestyle habits that are often formed during childhood and adolescence.
Additionally, it stressed the need for early interventions at the school and family levels. Encouraging healthy activities such as socialising with friends, playing outdoors, and fostering strong family bonds can help steer children and adolescents away from excessive internet use and improve their overall mental well-being.
Untreated mental health issues can have significant long-term effects on various aspects of an individual’s life. Without intervention, mental health conditions often deteriorate over time, leading to more severe symptoms and greater impairment in functioning. It can also contribute to the development or exacerbation of physical health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic pain.
Moreover, unmanaged mental health conditions can strain relationships with family, friends, and colleagues, leading to social isolation and difficulty maintaining healthy connections. It can further impair concentration, memory, and decision-making abilities, affecting performance at work or school and potentially leading to job loss or academic underachievement.
Individuals may also turn to substances like alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with untreated mental health symptoms, which can lead to substance use disorders and further complicate their mental health. In fact, certain mental health conditions, particularly mood disorders like depression, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts. Overall, untreated mental health conditions can significantly diminish an individual’s quality of life, affecting their sense of well-being, satisfaction, and fulfilment in various areas of life. Therefore, it’s essential to seek help from professionals to prevent or mitigate these long-term effects.
Changing mindsets and policies
India has been making significant efforts to address mental health through a combination of policies, programmes, and innovative initiatives aimed at improving accessibility, awareness, and care. The National Mental Health Programme (NMHP),5 introduced in 1982, serves as the foundation of the country’s mental health efforts, focusing on the integration of mental health services into primary healthcare. Under this programme, the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) was launched to decentralise services, ensuring access to counseling, medication, and awareness campaigns at the community level.
Additionally, the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017,6 was a landmark step that guaranteed every individual the right to affordable, quality mental healthcare without discrimination. It also decriminalised suicide, promoting a compassionate and supportive approach to individuals in distress. To further expand access to mental health services to remote areas, the government launched Tele-Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) in 2022. This initiative leverages technology to offer free, round-the-clock mental health support through tele-counseling and consultations.7
It’s time for mental health check-ups to be made a part of regular health screenings. The government should consider mandating mental health assessments as part of routine medical check-ups across healthcare facilities. These evaluations could be as simple as brief, evidence-based screening tools administered by trained professionals, allowing individuals to address potential concerns before they escalate.
Incorporating mental health into primary care can make services more accessible and normalise seeking help, particularly in a country like India, where stigma and lack of awareness often prevent people from reaching out. A policy like this would align with the vision of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, ensuring every citizen has access to timely, affordable, and dignified care. Top of Form
Mental health, often overshadowed by the visible aspects of physical health, is equally critical to our overall well-being. Yet, many of us wait until we are overwhelmed, burnt out, or in crisis before seeking help. Mandating routine mental health check-ups could revolutionise how we approach mental wellness and normalise conversations, reducing stigma, and fostering a culture of preventative care.
- https://www.who.int/health-topics/mental-health#tab=tab_1
- https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lansea/article/PIIS2772-3682(23)00160-9/fulltext
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10460242/
- https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2097865
- https://nhm.gov.in/WriteReadData/l892s/6479141851472451026.pdf
- https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/2249/1/A2017-10.pdf
- https://pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=153277&ModuleId=3®=3&lang=1
