Rising cases, rising awareness: Gujarat’s concerns on World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health day is observed on Oct 10
Ahmedabad has seen a 52% hike in people attending OPD for mental health challenges
Updated: Oct 10th, 2023
With the Government Mental Hospital running at 90% of its capacity, the rising mental health cases in the state are a cause of concern. Gujarat has seen a rise in mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, and insomnia after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Government Mental Hospital in Ahmedabad has seen a 52% hike in people attending OPD (outpatient department) for mental health conditions. The hospital registered a daily average of 230 patients before the COVID-19 pandemic, which has now risen to 350.
The hospital, equipped with 315 beds, currently has 290 patients undergoing treatments for their mental conditions, operating at 90% of its capacity.
Surge in mental health concerns
Dr Ajay Chauhan, superintendent in charge of the hospital, said, “In the last three years, after the pandemic, cases of common mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia have risen to almost 15-20%. A significant number of the demographic falls within the age groups of 15 to 25 and 40 to 60.”
“People aged 40-60 grapple with the challenges of comparison with their peers, age nearing retirement, managing finances, and career-related concerns,” added Dr Chauhan.
“Mental health issues affect women more than men”
Another shocking revelation made by Dr Chauhan was about how genders are affected by mental health differently.
According to him, “60% of mental health patients are women. They suffer from mental health issues due to factors such as postpartum depression, pre-menopause, familial compatibility issues, and issues with the work-life balance.”
Mental health no more a taboo
Dr Chauhan stated that since people are becoming more aware of mental health issues, a lot more are coming forward for treatment, and that’s one of the factors why we are seeing a rise in cases.
“Earlier, people were hesitant to visit a doctor for concerns related to mental well-being, but now, they come forward for themselves, and even for family members,” added Dr Chauhan.
He stated that the helpline number for people suffering from mental health issues, 14416 receives 25 to 30 calls a day, where they receive mental health tips and guidance.
World Mental Health Day
Every year on Oct 10, World Mental Health day is observed by World Federation for Mental Health (WFHM), World Health Organization (WHO), and member organisations of WFMH to educate, spread awareness, and fight the social stigma around mental health.
This year, the theme for the day is “mental health is a universal human right”, promoting the mental health issues and mental well-being across the world.
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