Tech overload fuels mental illnesses

Ranchi: One of the biggest investigations into the hazards of technology has concluded that too much of it can affect mental health.
Experts believe that mental health issues will soon supplant other illnesses in the future. World Health Organization data revealed that India contributes to 11.6% of the world's neuropsychiatric disorders. It also stated that by 2020, there would be a high chance that one in every three persons will likely suffer from some form of mental disorder, with depression and suicidal behaviour topping the list of concerns.
In the past two decades, the state capital has witnessed a spurt in the number of neuropsychiatric clinics. Now, one in every 20 private clinics is a neuropsychiatric clinic. The number of patients visiting Ranchi Institute of Neuropsychiatry & Allied Sciences (Rinpas) and Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP) has increased manifold. Estimates suggest about 1.68 lakh patients visited both these institutes in 2015-16. On an average, about 600 people made an outpatient visit.
Archana Singh (name changed), a doctor, has been undergoing stress management therapy. She has been helping her son with his studies. "I do not get enough sleep as I stay up late to teach my son. I have to get up early in the morning and report for duty," she said.
A Rinpas senior resident, Dr Siddhartha Sinha, said more than 1,000 people recently attended a Rinpas mental health camp in Hazaribag. "It is essential to note that neuropsychiatric disorders are on rise and cases ranging from mild insomnia to chronic schizophrenia have been reported," said Sinha. He said technology has contributed significantly to the rise in mental illnesses over the years. "The Internet, television, mobile phones and other gadgets have led to people having to deal with stress and anxiety-related disorders," said Sinha.
Rinpas experts believe the existing mental healthcare infrastructure needs to be improved. "Our beds are full and we have a good number of people who visit the outpatient doors (OPDS). But, we do not have adequate mental healthcare experts to deal with the crisis," Sinha said.
It is pertinent to note that people enrolling themselves for yoga, healing and naturopathy classes are dealing with mental health issues.
"Most middle-aged women complain of insomnia and stress. They ask for tips on how to handle anxiety disorders and insomnia. We design pranayama, mudra and meditation packages for them," said a trainer of a yoga centre in Ranchi. Attendance at spiritual centres offering kriya yoga training has also increased. "The urban lifestyle gives people very little time to relax. Overworked individuals are prone to mental health issues," Sinha said.