Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn and work effectively, and contribute to their communities.[1]
Mental health conditions include mental disorders, psychosocial disabilities and other mental states associated with significant distress, impaired functioning or risk of self-harm. Mental health is an integral component of overall health and well-being.[1]
Global Impact
Mental health conditions represent a major global public health challenge. More than 1 billion people worldwide live with a mental health condition, and mental disorders are among the leading causes of disability globally.[1,2] In 2021, approximately 1.1 billion people—nearly 1 in 7 people worldwide—were living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depressive disorders being the most common.[2]
Impact in India
Mental health conditions contribute substantially to disease and disability in India. The National Mental Health Survey of India 2015–16 estimated that 10.6% of adults had a current mental disorder, while lifetime prevalence was approximately 13.7%.[3]
WHO estimates that mental health problems account for approximately 2,443 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 100,000 population in India. The estimated economic loss attributable to mental health conditions in India between 2012 and 2030 is approximately US$1.03 trillion.[4]
Major Mental Health Conditions
i. Anxiety Disorders: Characterized by excessive fear and worry that can cause significant distress and interfere with daily activities. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders globally.[2,5]
ii. Depressive Disorders: Depression involves persistent depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in activities and can significantly affect personal, social, educational and occupational functioning.[6]
iii. Bipolar Disorder: Characterized by episodes of depression alternating with periods of manic symptoms, which may include elevated or irritable mood, increased activity and other changes in behaviour.[2]
iv. Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders: These conditions can cause significant disturbances in perception, thinking, behaviour and emotional responses and may substantially impair daily functioning.[2]
v. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): May develop following exposure to an extremely threatening or distressing event and can involve re-experiencing the event, avoidance and a persistent sense of current threat.[2]
vi. Eating Disorders: Conditions such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa involve abnormal eating behaviours and concerns about food, body weight or body shape and can significantly affect physical and mental health.[2]
vii. Neurodevelopmental Disorders: These include conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and attention- deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that affect behavioural, cognitive, language or motor functioning and generally begin during childhood.[2]
Risk Factors
Mental health is influenced by a combination of individual, social and environmental factors. Important risk factors include adverse childhood experiences, poverty and socioeconomic disadvantage, violence and abuse, social isolation and loneliness, substance use, chronic physical health conditions, discrimination and inequality, conflict and humanitarian emergencies and genetic and biological factors.[1]
Prevention and Management
Mental health conditions can often be prevented, effectively treated or managed through timely and appropriate interventions. Treatment depends on the individual and the specific condition and may include psychological therapies, medicines, psychosocial interventions and rehabilitation.[1,2]
Mental health promotion and prevention require action to strengthen protective factors and reduce risks across homes, schools, workplaces and communities. WHO emphasizes the importance of providing accessible, integrated and community-based mental health services while protecting the dignity and human rights of people with mental health conditions.[1]
References
- 1. World Health Organization. Mental health. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2025 Oct 8. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response
- 2. World Health Organization. Mental disorders. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2025 Sep 30. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders
- 3. National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences. National Mental Health Survey of India, 2015–16: prevalence, patterns and outcomes—summary. Bengaluru: NIMHANS; 2016. Available from: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/searo/india/health-topic-pdf/summary.pdf
- 4. World Health Organization. Mental health – India. New Delhi: WHO Country Office for India. Available from: https://www.who.int/india/health-topics/mental-health
- 5. World Health Organization. Anxiety disorders. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2025 Sep 8. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/anxiety-disorders
- 6. World Health Organization. Depressive disorder (depression). Geneva: World Health Organization; 2025 Aug 29. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression