Poorva Chavan
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Written By: Poorva Chavan | Updated : December 10, 2015 10:57 AM IST
One of the biggest problems with diagnosing mental disorders is the lack of awareness about the disorders and also the stigma attached with them. Many people suffer in silence also because disorders like depression have no easily recognizable symptoms. Health Minister J P Nadda on Tuesday said that more than six percent of the total Indian population is suffering from some or the other mental disorder such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.
In a written reply to Rajya Sabha, the Health Minister quoted the National Commission on Macroeconomic and Health, 2005 and said that in that year 10-20 million people which is approximately 2% of the population, suffered from severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. Also, nearly 50 million people, that is 5% of the population suffered from common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety which together amounts around 6.5 %of the population. (Read: What NOT to say to a depressed person)
Government's measures to improve mental health care in the country
J P Nadda also said that there are three centrally-run mental health institutes, 40 state-run medical hospitals and 398 departments of psychiatry in various medical colleges (183 in government hospitals and 215 in private hospitals) across the country in urban and rural areas to treat patients suffering from mental illnesses.
He informed that the government is also implementing the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) in 241 districts in all 36 states/UTs. The programme includes counselling services in school and colleges. workplace stress management and suicide prevention and community outreach activities. (Read: How to recognise and help a suicidal person)
Mental disorders are not easy to spot and many a times people facing them might not be even aware that they are suffering from them. But there are certain clues and hints, which if picked at the right time can save someone's life. Here are a few symptoms of depression and other mental disorders that one should be aware of.
1. A persistent feeling of emptiness or feeling sad or anxious
2. Feeling hopeless or negative
3. Irritability or restlessness
4. Lack of interest in hobbies and other activities
5. Loss of appetite
6. Hallucinations in case of schizophrenia
If you spot any of these symptoms in your near and dear one's your first step should be talking to them about it and give them helping hand by listening to them. If it doesn't solve the problem convince them to get help.
Image source: IANS
