UPSC DAW Mains Answer Writing 2025 10th october
Question
Despite growing awareness, mental health remains a neglected dimension of public health in India.” Discuss with reference to the characteristics of good mental health, its importance, the prevalence of mental disorders, key challenges, and India’s policy initiatives to address them. [250Words, 15Marks].
Model Answer
Approach:
Introduction
Write briefly about Mental Health.
Body
Characteristics of Good Mental Health.
Importance of Mental Health:
How Prevalent are Mental Health Disorders in India?
What are the Key Challenges Faced by the Mental Healthcare System in India?
India’s Initiatives on Mental Health
Conclusion
Give appropriate conclusion in this regard.
Introduction
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. Example of Poor Mental Health/Disorder: An individual experiencing persistent sadness, loss of interest, and fatigue for weeks may be suffering from depression, a common mental health disorder.
Body
Characteristics of Good Mental Health:
Emotional stability: Ability to regulate mood and responses.
Cognitive clarity: Capable of critical thinking and decision-making.
Social functionality: Engages in healthy relationships and community.
Work productivity: Manages work responsibilities effectively.
Coping ability: Manages stress, trauma, or setbacks with resilience.
Importance of Mental Health:
Core to human development: Mental health supports emotional growth, enabling individuals to learn, work, and engage socially.
Reduces disease burden: Untreated mental illness increases the risk of chronic diseases and lowers immunity.
Prevents suicides: Suicide often stems from undiagnosed or untreated mental illness, especially in youth.
Economic gains: WHO estimates that every $1 spent on mental health yields $4 in economic productivity.
Human rights: Mental health ensures dignity, freedom, and full participation in society.
Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders in India
High Overall Burden:
National Mental Health Survey (2015-16) by NIMHANS found 13.7% of India’s population suffers from mental illnesses.
10.6% of these cases require immediate medical intervention.
Suicide Rates:
India records the highest number of suicides globally.
NCRB (2022): 1.71 lakh suicides, with a suicide rate of 12.4 per 1,00,000 population.
Depressive and Anxiety Disorders:
WHO report: 56 million Indians suffer from depression.
38 million face anxiety disorders.
Challenges to Mental Health:
Stigma and taboo: Societal attitudes equate mental illness with weakness, discouraging open discussion.
Workplace pressures: Irregular hours, performance anxiety, and job insecurity strain mental well-being.
Poor access to care: Many rural or low-income regions lack trained professionals and facilities.
Financial stress: Debt, job loss, and healthcare costs can intensify anxiety and depression.
Screening limitations: Mental health assessments rely heavily on subjective responses.
India’s Initiatives on Mental Health
Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: Legal right to quality care; decriminalized suicide.
National Mental Health Programme (1982): Decentralized care via District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) in 767 districts.
Tele-MANAS (2022): 24×7 tele-counselling through toll-free helpline 14416.
Suicide Prevention Strategy (2022): Targets 10% reduction in suicide by 2030.
Measures Needed:
Peer-support networks: Trained colleagues can identify early signs and offer safe spaces to speak. Such groups reduce isolation and bridge gaps in formal care.
Workplace mental leave: Allowing leave during personal crises aids recovery and long-term productivity.
Early detection training: Train teachers, managers, and trainers to spot emotional distress early.
Regulatory reform: Avoid punitive policies like forced tests that discourage disclosure.
Community-based models: Integrate mental health into primary care, tele-counselling, and NGOs.
Conclusion
To enhance mental healthcare in India, it is crucial to prioritize mental health through increased funding, integration of services into primary care, and the use of technology to expand access. Addressing mental health is essential for upholding the fundamental human right to health and advancing SDG 3 on ‘good health and well-being’.