Mental Health: A Rising Concern
- 1 in 5 adults globally suffer from mental health issues.
- WHO estimates >$1 trillion productivity loss annually due to untreated mental illness.
- Post-pandemic awareness has boosted global and Indian attention to mental well-being.
Relevance : GS 2(Health ,Mental Health)
Policy and Legal Framework in India
- Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: Recognised mental illness at par with physical illness.
- IRDAI directive: Mandated mental health coverage in all health insurance plans.
- Result: Inclusion of mental health in India’s mainstream health protection framework.
New Trends in Insurance
- OPD benefits in health plans now include therapy, counselling, psychiatric consultations — key for mental health, rarely requiring hospitalisation.
- Mental health-related claims up by 30–50% in past 2–3 years.
- Indicates a positive behavioural shift: More people seeking help earlier and using insurance to pay for it.
Demographic Patterns
- Young adults (25–35) are:
- Leading in mental health-related searches, policy uptake, and claims.
- Comfortable with app-based therapy, online consultations.
- Top conditions claimed:
- Anxiety (30–35%), Depression (25–30%), Workplace stress, Insomnia.
- Mostly early to moderate cases, suggesting rising comfort with early intervention.
Women & Mental Health Insurance
- Women more likely to buy policies with mental health benefits.
- Driven by life-stage transitions like:
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Caregiving roles
- Reflects a cultural shift toward self-care and emotional well-being.
Geographical Spread
- Tier 1 cities dominate with over 50% of mental health policy uptake.
- Due to better access, digital literacy, corporate wellness policies.
- Tier 2 cities now showing growing interest, indicating broader national awareness.
Workplace Evolution
- Companies now offer:
- Wellness programs
- Access to therapists
- Stress management workshops
- Mental health becoming part of employee benefits and corporate culture.
Challenges & Way Forward
- Despite inclusion, awareness and utilisation remain low.
- Many unaware their policies include OPD therapy or cashless mental health services.
- Next priorities:
- Education: Improve awareness on mental health coverage.
- Accessibility: Ensure services reach beyond urban elites.
- Empathy: Normalise mental healthcare as everyday healthcare.
- Goal: Make mental healthcare inclusive, accessible, and normalised.
