Mental health is a critical determinant of human well-being, productivity, and social development, yet it remains under-recognized and under-prioritized in healthcare systems, particularly in India. Mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, contribute significantly to global morbidity, disability, and premature mortality. India, with its large youth population, faces a rising burden of mental illness, with one in seven individuals affected and suicide rates among the highest globally. Contributing factors include lifestyle changes, workplace stress, excessive use of digital platforms, and weak family and social support systems. Despite this growing challenge, India continues to experience a wide treatment gap, largely due to stigma, lack of awareness, and inadequate mental health infrastructure. Policy measures such as the National Mental Health Programme (1982), the Mental Healthcare Act (2017), the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016), and the National Health Policy (2017) have laid a foundation for integrating mental health into primary care. Recent initiatives like Tele MANAS and academic reforms to expand mental health professionals mark significant progress. However, achieving mental well-being requires a holistic, multi-sectoral approach that combines healthcare, education, workplace reforms, and community-level interventions. Strengthening awareness, accessibility, and preventive strategies is essential for India to safeguard its demographic dividend and ensure sustainable socio-economic growth. Keywords: Mental Health, Mental Health Care, India.
Vijayakumari et al. (Sun,) studied this question.