World Psychiatric Association calls for more attention to mental health care

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With Covid-19 affecting the normal lives of people in all walks of life, the need for mental health and psychosocial support has increased manifold. Unfortunately, its impact would continue to linger in the society for months and years, demanding more attention than ever, said Dr Roy Abraham Kallivayalil, secretary general, World Psychiatric Association.Speaking to TOI on the occasion of observing the World Mental Health Day, which falls on Saturday, Kallivayalil said the pandemic has drastically cut down the access to mental health services to people all over the world. Quoting a recent survey by WHO, he said mental health services have been severely affected in 93% of countries and it was no different in India and Kerala.“What we need is a massive scale up in investment towards mental well being. Hardly two percent of country’s health budget goes for mental health. This is grossly inadequate. The suicide rates in Kerala continue to be very high and the high suicide rates among adolescent and young people is a particular cause of worry for the state. We need more mental health professionals and increased mental health services. The World Bank estimates that for every single US dollar invested for mental health, especially for treatment of common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety, there is a return of 5$ in improved health and productivity,” Dr Kallivayalil said.Close to one billion people are living with a mental disorder or another in the world. Besides, three million people die every year from the harmful use of alcohol and one person dies every 40 seconds by suicide. A substantial number of this group of people come from India, he pointed out. As per the latest report of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Kerala recorded the fifth highest suicide rate of 24% in the country, which is well above the all India rate of 10% per one lakh population.