Dr. D. R. Rai, former Secretary General of the IMA and a co-organizer, stated, "prevention of mental health starts right from the home only,"

India's Mental Health Under Siege: Experts Urge Urgent Societal Shift, Early Care, and Crisis Preparedness.
Dr. D. R. Rai, former Secretary General of the IMA and a co-organizer, stated, "prevention of mental health starts right from the home only,"

New Delhi, – On World Mental Health Day, October 10, 2025, a critical national webinar, the 448th hosted by RJS Positive Broadcasting House (RJS PBH), convened leading medical and mental health experts to address India's escalating mental health crisis. While the global theme emphasized "Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies," discussions broadened significantly to dissect the pervasive challenges of modern lifestyles, the critical need for early intervention, and multi-faceted prevention strategies. Experts unanimously declared mental health a universal right, deeply intertwined with physical well-being, and stressed the urgent need for a societal re-evaluation to foster mental resilience.

The Family as the First Line of Defense.

Dr. D. R. Rai, former Secretary General of the IMA and a co-organizer, stated, "prevention of mental health starts right from the home only," with the mother being crucial for a child's mental well-being. He lamented the decline of joint families and voiced deep concern over the negative impacts of online education, excessive video gaming, and mobile phone addiction on children, noting parents often delegate child-rearing to maids. Dr. Rai stressed the importance of physical activity, yoga, meditation, hobbies, and healthy, home-cooked food. He also questioned whether mental health issues are primarily genetic or environmental.

Mental Health as a Universal Right: Bridging the Gap.

Dr. Sunil Mittal, Chairman of the Cosmos Institute of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences (CIMBS), asserted that good mental health is a "universal right," linked to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 1: poverty removal, SDG 3: health and wellness). He dispelled the "myth" that physical and mental health are separate, emphasizing their deep interconnectedness: "what happens in the mind, happens in the body, and what happens in the body, happens in the mind."

Dr. Mittal differentiated between "common mental disorders" (anxiety, depression, OCD, substance use) affecting a larger population, and "severe mental disorders" (schizophrenia, bipolar, paranoid disorders) with a lower prevalence (2-3%). He highlighted India's staggering "mental health gap": approximately 13-14% of the population experiences mental health issues, yet nearly 85% of those needing services do not receive them. Barriers include lack of awareness, pervasive stigma, and severe shortages of qualified professionals (around 10,000 psychiatrists and 4,000-5,000 clinical psychologists for a vast population), coupled with high costs.

On "Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies," Dr. Mittal stressed that mental health support must be an "integral part" of disaster relief, not an add-on. He advocated for community-level training in mental health and psychosocial support, including mental health first aid. For prevention, he emphasized "awareness and early detection," leading to "early intervention" through media campaigns, school-based programs addressing childhood trauma, workplace initiatives, healthy lifestyle choices (especially 6-8 hours of sleep), and "social connectedness"—sharing joys and sorrows.

Dr. Nimish Desai, former Director of IHBAS, concurred on the intertwined nature of physical and mental health, stating, "physical and mental health both deteriorate together." He emphasized "rapid identification" for simpler treatment. Dr. Desai cited global statistics: 332 million people suffer from mental health issues (women disproportionately), with a global prevalence rate of 25%. He noted that while genetic disorders (schizophrenia, bipolar) have a consistent 1-2% prevalence worldwide, common mental disorders are significantly "influenced by familial and social reasons," varying across regions. He offered the example of "diabetes and depression" to illustrate how mental illness worsens physical conditions. He echoed concerns that urbanization and the breakdown of traditional family structures contribute to mental health decline.

Societal Neglect and the Roots of Rising Distress

Dr. Naresh Chawla, a distinguished medic-social activist and former National Joint Secretary of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), delivered a comprehensive address, reiterating the World Health Organization's (WHO) holistic definition of health: "not merely absence of disease but complete physical, mental, spiritual well-being." Dr. Chawla observed society’s tendency to ignore mental health issues, often dismissing them as personal weaknesses. He stressed the paramount importance of early symptom identification by family, peers, or colleagues, as individuals with depression may not explicitly voice their distress. He vehemently argued against the stigma associated with mental illness, stating, "seeking help is not bad, seeking help is good and very necessary."

Dr. Chawla attributed the alarming increase in mental illnesses over the past 50 years to several socio-economic shifts:

* **Rapid Urbanization and Industrialization:** This has fostered a "high-fi life" driven by materialism and an incessant pursuit of "bigger packages," leading to "undesirable stress."

* **Breakdown of Joint Families:** The transition from robust traditional joint families to isolated nuclear units has left individuals, especially children, vulnerable, as "the joint family used to hold everyone together... now we have nuclear families."

* **Women Entering the Workforce:** While empowering, this often means children, even as young as "one year or one month old," sense the absence of working parents, impacting their emotional development.

* **Increased Competition and Materialism:** These foster discontent and exacerbate mental strain.

He also voiced grave concerns over the pervasive "addiction" to social media and digital devices, especially among children, describing it as detrimental to their concentration and mental well-being. Dr. Chawla advocated for proactive parental guidance to prevent detrimental habits like smoking, alcohol, and gambling.

Prevention: Balancing Life and Strengthening Bonds.

For prevention, Dr. Chawla proposed a holistic strategy of "balancing life," including:

* **Healthy Lifestyle:** Proper sleep (6-8 hours), a balanced, nutritious diet, and avoiding unnecessary competition.

* **Moral Education:** Integrating ethical and moral education in schools and colleges.

Communication: Fostering open communication within families and communities, urging individuals to share problems and avoid isolation.

Parental Engagement: Parents must spend "quality time" with children, not solely financial support.

He emphasized that early intervention within the family and school can resolve minor anxieties and depressions before they escalate.

Uday Kumar Manna, the host and organizer, initiated the event by highlighting the significance of World Mental Health Day. He noted its first observance in 1992, an initiative by the World Federation for Mental Health—an international organization established in 1948—to raise awareness about mental and emotional disorders and ensure proper treatment and care. Manna underscored the day's relevance in "a globally unstable era" marked by conflicts and natural disasters, and set the stage for an in-depth discussion on what constitutes mental health, its symptoms, early identification, and the impact of stress. He also announced the webinar's documentation on RJS Positive Media YouTube and its inclusion in the upcoming sixth RJS PBH book, slated for Republic Day2026 release.

The Social Cost of Modernity
Advocate Sudeep Sahu invoked the proverb, "मन चंगा तो कठौती में गंगा" (If the mind is pure, then spiritual purity is achieved), underscoring inner peace. He passionately lamented the dissolution of traditional joint families into isolated nuclear units, a "terrible problem" for children lacking guidance. Sahu strongly criticized the "curse" of video games and gambling, which he believes are "destroying the next generation" by fostering isolation and addiction. He also condemned continuous online education post-COVID and advocated for a simpler, less materialistic approach to life, quoting Sant Kabir: "Saai itna dijiye, jame kutum samaye, mai bhuka na rahu, sadhu na bhuka jaye" (Give me enough, Lord, so my family can be fed, I don't go hungry, and neither does a sadhu).

Sadhak Omprakash from Patna provided a spiritual and philosophical dimension, aligning modern well-being with ancient Indian wisdom, particularly from the Bhagavad Gita. He stressed that positive thinking, 'Dhyan' (meditation), and a calm mind are essential, especially during crises. Omprakash emphasized self-reflection, suggesting 'Dhyan' to achieve unwavering positive thinking and activate inner potential. He encouraged participation in RJS PBH’s initiatives, like the 10-day 'Dipotsav' (Festival of Lights), to foster positive energy. He also recommended practical measures: deep breathing, yoga, physical activity, hobbies, social connections, and a vegetarian, pure, home-cooked diet, critiquing the rising reliance on food delivery services.
**Looking Forward: Future Initiatives and Focused Action**
Deep Mathur, National Observer for RJS PBH, delivered the vote of thanks. While appreciating the valuable insights, he noted that the discussion had "slightly diverted from the specific theme" of "Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies." He strongly suggested RJS PBH organize future webinars with a "special thrust" on this specific topic, recognizing its critical importance for "millions affected" by various emergencies.

Uday Kumar Manna concluded by outlining upcoming RJS PBH programs: International Day of Rural Women (October 15), International Day of the Girl Child (October 11), a program for Sister Nivedita's birth anniversary (October 13), and a Children's Creative Summit (October 15). He also mentioned Sadhak Omprakash's 'Dipotsav' program, starting October 18, and Deep Mathur's 'Chitragupt Puja' program on Bhai Dooj (October 23), emphasizing spiritual accountability. Manna extended Karwa Chauth greetings, celebrating its symbolism of love and trust, and thanked all speakers for their invaluable guidance.

The webinar concluded with a shared understanding that while modern life presents immense challenges to mental health, a multi-faceted approach—encompassing individual lifestyle choices, strengthened family bonds, comprehensive education, reduced stigma, and improved access to affordable care—is crucial. Experts reinforced that a robust mental health infrastructure is vital for a resilient and thriving society, capable of navigating both everyday stressors and the unique psychological trauma of catastrophes.