PM Modi Emphasizes Mental Health as Fundamental to Overall Well-being on World Mental Health Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of showing compassion to individuals suffering from mental health conditions.

New Delhi:

On World Mental Health Day this Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that mental health constitutes an essential component of our overall well-being.

October 10 is observed globally as World Mental Health Day to enhance awareness about mental health issues and their impact.

"World Mental Health Day serves as a powerful reminder that mental health is a fundamental part of our overall well-being," Prime Minister Modi stated in his message shared on the social media platform X.

The Prime Minister emphasized the necessity of demonstrating compassion towards people experiencing mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression.

"In a fast-paced world, this day underscores the importance of reflecting and extending compassion to others," PM Modi remarked.

He also stressed the importance of normalizing conversations about mental health and acknowledged those working in this field.

"Let us also work collectively to create environments where conversations around mental health become more mainstream. My compliments to all those working in this field and helping others heal and find happiness," the Prime Minister added.

According to the National Mental Health Survey (2016), approximately 13.2 percent of Indians experience diagnosable mental health conditions during their lifetime, while 10.6 percent are currently affected.

This translates to roughly one in 10 Indians living with conditions including depression, anxiety, or substance use disorders, with depression being most prevalent, particularly among women.

To address these challenges, the government has initiated programs like Tele-MANAS, which provides essential first-response counseling in multiple languages.

Currently, 53 Tele MANAS cells operate across 36 states, delivering round-the-clock mental health services in up to 20 languages. Since its 2022 launch through mid-March 2025, the service has received over 2,382,000 calls.

Additionally, the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), now implemented as the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), extends to more than 700 districts with teams comprising psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and nurses.

The government is also enhancing mental healthcare services at the primary healthcare level through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.

"Cashless healthcare services have been approved for 22 procedures under Mental Disorder Speciality under AB PM-JAY," according to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on X.

There are 47 operational government-run mental hospitals nationwide, including 3 Central Mental Health Institutions.

Mental health services have also been incorporated into the comprehensive primary healthcare packages provided at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.

This year's theme, "Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies," focuses on supporting mental health and psychosocial needs of individuals affected by humanitarian emergencies, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

"On this World Mental Health Day, let us intensify our efforts to create a world where mental health is valued, protected, and accessible for all, especially in the face of adversity," the WHO stated.