During Mental Health Awareness Month, the Survey Exposes a Significant Shift with 70% of Indians Recognizing the Urgent Need for Mental Health Care
New Delhi, October 25th, 2023 – Sukoon Health, India’s pioneering chain of super speciality hospitals dedicated to psychiatry, mental health, and deaddiction, has unveiled the outcomes of a survey shedding light on the perceptions, awareness, and experiences of mental health care in India. With 70% of respondents affirming the importance of diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, the findings signal a significant shift in societal attitudes towards mental well-being. This growing understanding, catalyzed by initiatives like Mental Health Awareness Month, underscores a collective recognition that mental health is as vital as physical health.
Vidit Bahri, Co-founder & Chief Growth Officer, Sukoon Health stated, “With the survey results highlighting a growing awareness of mental health importance in India, Sukoon is optimistic about the future. We are committed to helping individuals live fulfilling lives by recognizing and treating their diagnosis.. By providing quality care, adopting a holistic approach, and raising awareness, Sukoon aims to bridge the gap between mental health awareness and treatment. We ensure this through personalized treatment plans, evidence based interventions , enabling facilities , and above all compassionate care.”
Key Survey Findings:
Limited Knowledge Persists: The survey reveals substantial knowledge gaps regarding various mental health conditions. Notably, 33.8% had limited to no knowledge about Alcohol & Drugs Addiction, while 22% had a moderate understanding. Knowledge gaps persisted for conditions like bipolar disorder (25.7% limited knowledge), psychosis (54.67% minimal knowledge), schizophrenia (23.86% limited knowledge), Severe Anxiety (24.18% minimal knowledge), and Severe Depression (22.87% minimal knowledge). These insights highlight the urgent need for enhanced mental health education to create a more informed and supportive society.
Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders: Nearly 24% of respondents indicated that either themselves or someone they knew, reported having experienced a serious mental health disorder. This brings to light the widespread impact of mental health conditions within our society and speaks to the urgency of prioritizing mental health on a societal level. Recognizing the scale of individuals affected by mental health issues is not only a matter of compassion and empathy, but it also carries significant implications for resource allocation within the mental healthcare sector.
One of the prevailing challenges in the mental health landscape is the shortage of qualified healthcare professionals. Sukoon Health is looking to bridge this gap by making quality mental healthcare accessible to a wider demographic, thereby ensuring that those in need receive the support and treatment they deserve. This proactive approach aligns with Sukoon Health’s overarching mission to revolutionize mental healthcare in India and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals struggling with mental health conditions.
The Importance of Diagnosis and Treatment: A significant 29% of participants agreed that mental health conditions require proper diagnosis and treatment, demonstrating a broad understanding of the importance of mental health care and the need for support and intervention. Approximately 33% of individuals actively seek treatment from therapists or counselors for serious mental health conditions. This shift in societal attitudes towards mental well-being is significant, one that recognizes the necessity of diagnosis and treatment being a crucial step towards reducing the stigma associated with mental health conditions.
Diverse Treatment Experiences: Respondents reported diverse experiences with mental health care, with 17% reporting very positive outcomes, while 15% faced very negative experiences. This highlights the need for tailored and person-centered approaches to care.
Sukoon with its team of experienced psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, counselors, and art-based therapists is looking to ensure that individuals who require intervention receive personalized care. Its treatments are designed keeping in mind the unique condition, emotions, and needs of those who require it.
Barriers to Seeking Treatment: The survey identified significant barriers individuals face when seeking mental health treatment, including enduring stigma and fear of discrimination (30%), lack of awareness (26%), and financial constraints (15%). These findings underscore the multifaceted challenges individuals encounter when accessing mental health care and emphasize the imperative need to address these barriers for a more inclusive and supportive mental health ecosystem.
Insurance Awareness: The survey also highlighted a pressing issue: 82% of respondents were unaware that insurance can cover the costs of mental health treatment. This significant gap in awareness emphasizes the need for widespread education on available resources and support for mental health treatment, ensuring that individuals are aware of the options available to them.
Methodology: The survey received responses from 700 participants across India, spanning a wide age range, with 58% falling within the 19-30 age bracket and 41% in the 31-40 category. This indicates a cross-generational interest and concern regarding mental health issues.
