New Delhi: The scenario concerning mental health in India has not changed much. According to a survey report, India leads the world in the number of suicide cases with 28 per cent of the self-slaughter incidents taking place in the country.
Also, there is still stigma attached to mental illnesses and the number of psychiatrists and counsellors in the country remain at an abysmal number. People, when associated with depression or mental illness, are still largely termed 'paagal' (mad) even by educated people.
According to the data, family members of the 43 per cent people affected with mental illness have information about their problem but only 20 per cent relative get their patients treated. The report suggests that about 15 lakh people in India need immediate help when it comes to mental health in the country.
The report also suggests that there has been a whopping 88 per cent growth in mental health queries in India this year and more people from smaller cities and towns are now coming forward for online consultation, the report said on Thursday.
Mental health-related queries grew a massive 367 per cent from non-metro cities. Nearly 40 per cent of all mental health-related consultations came from women while 60 per cent is from men.
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