World Mental Health Day is observed globally on October 10 every year to raise awareness about mental health issues and mobilize support for mental well-being. It was initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) in 1992.
2025 Theme
The 2025 theme is: “Mental Health in Humanitarian Emergencies”, focusing on psychological needs of populations affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and public health crises.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 1 in 5 people in conflict-affected areas experience a mental health condition, highlighting the urgent need for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) as a life-saving intervention.
Objectives of World Mental Health Day
- Raise awareness of mental health issues worldwide
- Mobilize efforts in support of mental well-being
- Provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss interventions, policies, and implementation challenges
- Encourage evidence-based integration of mental health care in crisis response
History
- First celebrated: October 10, 1992
- Founder: Richard Hunter (Deputy Secretary General, WFMH)
- First thematic observance: 1994 – “Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services throughout the World”
- WHO Support: Provides technical and communication resources, works with ministries of health and civil society globally
- Global Milestones:
- 2018 – UK appointed first suicide prevention minister while hosting the first global mental health summit
Global Mental Health Crisis
- Suicide: Over 727,000 lives lost annually
- Target: 33% reduction by 2030; current progress: 12%
- Displacement: By 2024, 123 million people forcibly displaced, 71% in low- and middle-income countries with weak health systems
- Challenges: Trauma, loss, anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance abuse
India’s Mental Health Landscape
- Burden: 2443 DALYs per 100,000 population
- Suicide rate: 21.1 per 100,000 population
- Economic cost: Estimated USD 1.03 trillion (2012–2030)
- Treatment gap: 70–92% for severe mental illness
- Workforce shortage:
- Psychiatrists: 0.75 per 100,000 (WHO minimum: 1.7; ideal: 3)
- Shortages in nurses, psychologists, social workers
Policy Framework
- Mental Healthcare Act 2017: Rights-based approach; decriminalized suicide
- National Mental Health Programme (NMHP, 1982)
- District Mental Health Program (DMHP): 767 districts, community-based care
- NIMHANS: Nodal center for disaster psychosocial support
- Challenges: Weak integration with disaster management, post-crisis focus, chronic psychiatric conditions
Mental Health and Disasters in India
- 2013 Uttarakhand Disaster: 58% PTSD, high depression/anxiety
- 2018 Kerala Floods: Anxiety disorders, complicated grief, substance use
- Vulnerable Groups: Children, adolescents, families; manifest as school refusal, conduct issues
Global Frameworks & Initiatives
- WHO Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030 – measurable global targets
- WHO Framework for Mental Health, Brain Health & Substance Use (2024) – integrated mental health response
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3) – mental health and well-being
- Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) – scale-up services
- Paro Declaration: Universal access to people-centered mental health care
- MHPSS Minimum Service Package (MSP): Coordinated, tiered care in emergencies
India’s Digital Mental Health Initiative: Tele-MANAS
- National Tele-Mental Health Programme
- 53 cells across India, 24×7 support in 20 languages
- Handled >20 lakh calls (as of April 2025)
- Two-tier system: Counsellors + specialists via eSanjeevani video consultations
- Challenges: Poor internet, inadequate equipment, workforce management issues
Policy Recommendations for India
- Integrate MHPSS in Disaster Management: Include MSP principles in NDMA plans
- Workforce Stabilization: Ensure adequate staffing and remuneration; target 3–5 professionals per 100,000 population within five years
- Specialized Support: Target high-risk groups – farmers, students, homemakers, abuse survivors, caregivers
- Digital Regulation: Monitor emotional-support apps and AI tools; ensure access to licensed professionals
- Data & Research: Standardized reporting frameworks; fund longitudinal studies on culturally sensitive MHPSS models
Key Takeaways
- World Mental Health Day 2025 emphasizes the urgent need for mental health support in humanitarian crises
- India has strong policy frameworks, but gaps remain in implementation, workforce, and disaster integration
- Digital interventions like Tele-MANAS provide scalable support but require infrastructure, training, and regulation
- Global coordination and evidence-based strategies are essential to reduce suicide, trauma, and psychological distress