Mental health has always been taboo in India. However, the Union Health Ministry is taking efforts to make sure that is no longer the case.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Council (BMC) has started a survey to assess the mental health of the people of Mumbai. The survey will be conducted in metropolitan and big cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
Name: National Mental Health Survey - 2
Study population: Households across all 24 wards and people from different socioeconomic backgrounds, including migrants.
Sample size: 3600 chosen randomly by software.
Study area: Megacities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
Study duration: February - September
Nodal coordinating centre: B.Y.L Nair Hospital
Reports to be submitted: National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore.
The National Mental Health Survey - 1 was carried out in 2016. It showed the prevalence of mental health conditions like depression, mood and anxiety disorders, and alcohol use disorders. The prevalence was found to be 10% in non-urban areas and 14% in urban areas.
However, this year will include a separate questionnaire related to COVID-19 issues. The pandemic and post-pandemic era witnessed a rise in mental health-related issues.
The pandemic affected people of all age groups. The survey will help to explore mental health conditions related to COVID-19 like job loss stress, substance abuse, and domestic abuse.
According to reports, 1000 people have already been interviewed. The survey will help to establish a strong mental health infrastructure.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, also known as the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, is the governing civic body of Mumbai. It is India's richest municipal corporation. It was founded in 1899. It is responsible for civic administration and infrastructure. The annual budget exceeds more than some of the smaller states of India.
(Input from various media sources)