Mental Health as a problem is neglected in Urban India. consistent with a survey conducted by ICMR, every 10th Delhiite suffers from psychiatric illnesses like depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. But this is often one area that’s afflicted most by a high treatment gap thanks to the social stigma attached to mental illnesses, lack of awareness and resistance to treatment by patients.
The survey by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on urban mental state between 2004 and 2009, show that 10% of Delhities suffer from psychiatric illnesses with depression being the foremost common ailment followed by anxiety and depression.
The problem isn’t confined to the less affluent pockets of capital, Institute of Human Behavior and Allied Sciences has been running mobile health unit for the past 18 months to succeed in intent on patients .The unit has received 455 calls most of which about 20% are from the luxury south Delhi area.
According to ICMR survey only 10-20% unsound people in Delhi seek medical help. There are numerous cases where unsound people suffered depression, self confined or starved themselves resulting in death. These don’t seem to be cases of the destitute unstable but educated people living in bourgeoisie or affluent pockets.
In most cases patients turn reclusive and infrequently starve themselves to death while neighbors value more highly to look the opposite way. Many undiagnosed patients belonging to different social strata still board self-denial and let their illness become severe when it’s completely curable.
The doctors at IHBAS blame the stigma attached to mental illnesses for 80%patients not getting proper care and treatment. In most cases whether or not family senses there’s something wrong they’re reluctant to require the patient to a mental state professional. there’s also misconception that when some one is unsound, he or she’s going to remain so forever.
Unlike severe illnesses like Schizophrenia other illnesses are completely curable through medicines. The family of a patient may get affected either genetically or thanks to intense emotional distress and conk out while tending to the patient.
It is our duty as neighbors or resident welfare associations to achieve resolute the patients in order that they get timely help. it’s also important to be sensitive to the condition of the unsound and to not shun them.
