A recent study by researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) underscores the critical role of anti-stigma campaigns in enhancing mental well-being and addressing the significant treatment gap in mental health services. The findings, published in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, emphasize initiatives like the ‘Mental Health Santhe’ as vital tools for promoting awareness and dispelling prevalent myths surrounding mental health.
NIMHANS has been spearheading the ‘Mental Health Santhe’ campaign for the past two years, focusing on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. This initiative aims to educate the public about accessible resources, treatment facilities, and the importance of mental health research. The third installment of this campaign is set to take place on October 15.
K.S. Meena, professor and head of the Department of Mental Health Education at NIMHANS, stated, “The upcoming editions of Mental Health Santhe will incorporate robust statistical methodologies to enhance data collection and analysis. This strategic shift aims to provide valuable insights into the campaign’s impact on mental health awareness and help-seeking behaviors.”
The Stigma Challenge
Dr. Meena pointed out that stigma related to mental illness and suicide is a global issue, often preventing individuals from seeking help and accessing necessary mental health services. This stigma contributes significantly to the widening treatment gap in mental healthcare. Despite numerous anti-stigma initiatives in lower-middle-income countries, there remains a need for campaigns that are tailored to local demographics and culture.
“Our article advocates for an anti-stigma campaign based on an emic approach that considers cultural specifics,” Dr. Meena explained. Findings from the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) conducted between 2015 and 2016 revealed that up to 83.4% of individuals requiring mental health care in India do not receive it, underscoring the urgency of this issue.
Several factors contribute to the treatment gap, including perceived necessity for care, societal stigma, lack of awareness regarding available resources, financial constraints, and uncertainty about treatment efficacy. Among these, stigma and discrimination against individuals with mental health disorders are the most significant barriers, Dr. Meena emphasized.
Recent research has shown that the stigma surrounding mental illness can lead to lower self-esteem, poor quality of life, negative attitudes toward mental health services, and a lack of social support, ultimately resulting in worse outcomes for affected individuals.
The Mental Health Santhe Initiative
The “Mental Health Santhe – Wellness is Fundamental” campaign integrates cultural frameworks into mental health interventions to combat stigma and promote social integration. Dr. Meena noted that the previous Santhe event attracted diverse stakeholders in mental health and suicide prevention, fostering community engagement and collaboration.
What differentiates this initiative from other global mental health campaigns is its emphasis on cultural relevance and interdisciplinary cooperation. The campaign brings together the public, media, and various organizations to facilitate discussions about mental health.
During past campaigns, NIMHANS showcased a variety of services aimed at raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. These included training in media and mental health education, immediate psychological care, gatekeeper training for suicide prevention, and psychosocial support for disaster management. Additionally, the campaign highlighted specialized services for women’s mental health, child and adolescent mental health, de-addiction, digital detox, technology addiction, rehabilitation, telemedicine, and support for the elderly with dementia.
Film screenings in local languages were also part of the initiative, aimed at enhancing public understanding of mental health issues and reducing stigma.
As the third installment of the Mental Health Santhe approaches, NIMHANS continues to lead the charge in fostering a more informed and compassionate approach to mental health care in India.
Related topics:
