Prevailing Stigma on Mental Illness an Invisible Entity Affecting Mental Health Goals -A Study

Abstract

The theme for World Mental Health Day 2025 is “Mental Health in a Globalized World“. This theme highlights the importance of understanding different cultural perspectives on mental health to address mental health challenges worldwide. It also focuses attention on some cultures which still stigmatize mental illness, preventing individuals from seeking help. WHO estimates that burden of mental health problems in India is 2443 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 10,000 population. In India, despite the initiatives implemented to improve mental health services, a doubling of mental disorders during the year 1990 to 2017 is noted by an article published at Lancet Psychiatry,2020. One of the contributing components to this huge difference is Stigma added to treatment consultations. Psychiatric services are limited in many parts of interior South Indian villages. In urban areas also, seeking treatment is perceived as complex process. Somatic problems commonly presented by patient along with anxiety symptoms, delays approaching psychiatrist for help. Mental health stigma can be defined as negative attitudes, beliefs or behaviours directed at people who have mental disorders. Stigma usually arises due to fear & misleading information surrounding mental illness. This study describes about the STIGMA on mental illness which is still prevailing in certain minds.