Community-Level Mental Healthcare Key to India’s Future, Says NIMHANS Director

Dr Prabha S. Chandra, the new Director at NIMHANS in India, believes there should be a re-examination of the delivery of mental health services throughout India. In her opinion, individuals must have access not only to psychiatric and tertiary care (i.e., hospitals) but also to community-based support systems. This will improve access for all of those individuals who typically cannot obtain specialised services. 

Growing Demand, Limited Resources 

As the number of individuals with mental health problems continues to escalate in India, the country’s supply of qualified practitioners and access to needed treatment will remain inadequate. As a result, many of the largest treatment facilities are under tremendous pressure from the number of people accessing them and can only provide treatment to individuals after a long wait period. In addition, the inability of patients to gain access to timely care reflects the need for an improved, more flexible and broader system that will meet patients’ needs more expeditiously and earlier. 

Read More: NIMHANS-Led National Mental Health Survey 2 Of India: Mapping Mental Wellbeing

A Tiered Model of Care 

One way to deal with the problem is by implementing a tiered system of care to assist with different types of concerns. Mild concerns could be cared for within the community;  moderate concerns would be dealt with by a professional, such as a counsellor; and severe concerns would require referral to specialised facilities. This tiered system of care will help provide each person with the right level of care, as well as help alleviate any additional burden placed upon hospitals. 

Training Beyond Psychiatrists 

The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) is expanding its reach into providing mental health support with its teacher/counsellor/community worker training programs through the Digital Academy. Everyday problems (such as stress, relationship problems, academic pressures, etc.) often can be handled through basic information to help guide individuals in managing them. Increasing the number of individuals possessing these skills increases the available support for dealing with an individual’s problems in day-to-day settings (schools, local communities).

Young Adults’ Mental Health on the Rise 

According to the Director, the rise in the number of young people experiencing Mental  Health problems is very concerning. Academic pressures, the lifestyle transformation seen by many, and the growing impact that social media has on our lives all seem to contribute to increasing levels of stress and anxiety for young people. Early identification of the symptoms and access to appropriate supports are more important now than ever before. 

Research and Infrastructure Development 

NIMHANS will support ongoing research and infrastructure improvements, as well as expand community-based treatment of patients, through its neurotrauma centre and improvements to current suicide prevention and early childhood development services. This effort aims to address both short- and long-term mental healthcare requirements. 

Read More: Guidelines for Suicide Prevention in Schools, Draft Issued by the Central Government

Looking Ahead 

A more accessible and balanced mental health care system will ultimately support mental health care. By utilising both community support (e.g., peer providers, trained professionals) and specialised services (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists), India can develop a mental health care system that assists at all levels of service, including in homes, everyday life and hospital settings.