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January 28, 2025 | Chennai, India
The 13th edition of the ThinkEdu Conclave 2025, held on January 28, brought to light a critical but often overlooked issue: India’s escalating mental health crisis. In a compelling session titled “The Silent Epidemic: Tackling India’s Mental Health Crisis,” two renowned psychiatrists, Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director of NIMHANS, and Dr. Koushik Sinha Deb, Additional Professor of Psychiatry at AIIMS Delhi, provided insights into this urgent challenge and proposed actionable solutions.
The Care Gap: A Crisis of Patients or Practitioners?
India faces a stark shortage of mental health professionals. Dr. Murthy revealed that despite the number of psychiatry graduates increasing from 450 to 1,300 in the past 15 years, the demand for services far outweighs the supply. She stressed the importance of integrating mental health awareness into undergraduate medical education, enabling doctors and nurses to identify mental health issues alongside physical ailments.
Dr. Deb highlighted the economic factors that drive mental health professionals to migrate abroad instead of serving in rural India. “Young psychologists face a dilemma—work in a remote village for a meagre salary or move to countries like Canada and Switzerland, where they can earn significantly more,” he explained.
The Affordability Challenge
High costs of mental health care remain a major barrier. “Out-of-pocket expenditure for chronic disorders is enormous,” said Dr. Murthy, emphasizing the need for affordable and accessible services. She praised the Tele Manas Initiative, a government project providing multilingual tele-counselling services across India.
Technology vs Traditional Care
The panel delved into the growing role of technology in mental health care. Dr. Deb pointed out the elitist nature of many digital platforms. “Most mental health apps operate in English, making them inaccessible to large parts of the population. AI-driven apps should be a bridge, not a replacement for human intervention,” he said.
Breaking the Stigma
Deep-rooted stigma continues to prevent many from seeking help. Dr. Murthy called for normalizing mental health discussions, especially among youth, who are increasingly affected by conditions like anxiety, depression, addiction, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. She emphasized, “Mental health issues affect everyone, but individuals from underprivileged backgrounds face additional challenges.”
A Call to Action
The session concluded with a resounding message: mental health is as vital as physical health. “Early intervention can save lives,” Dr. Murthy stated. In a time of growing academic stress, migration, and loneliness, the need for a comprehensive approach integrating awareness, affordability, and accessibility has never been greater.
Disclaimer
This article aims to raise awareness about mental health challenges and the discussions held during ThinkEdu Conclave 2025. It is not a substitute for professional advice or diagnosis. Readers are encouraged to consult qualified mental health professionals for concerns about mental well-being.
