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Context: The Study, "Global prevalence and burden of depressive and anxiety disorders in 204 nations and territories in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic," was released. According to a study, anxiety and depression are expected to become more common in India during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The government has undertaken several steps in light of the potential effects that COVID-19 may have on people's mental health, including;

• Establishing a 24x7 helpline of mental health specialists to offer psychological support to all impacted people, with a specific focus on children, adults, the elderly, women, and healthcare staff.
• Issuing guidelines or advisories on how to handle mental health difficulties, including the needs of various social groups.
• The promotion of stress and anxiety management techniques as well as a culture of support and caring for all through the use of creative and audio-visual materials on various media platforms.
• "Mental Health in the Times of COVID-19 Pandemic - Guidelines for General Medical and Specialized Mental Health Care Settings" is a set of comprehensive guidelines released and distributed by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS).
• On the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website, under "Behavioral Health - Psychosocial Helpline," all the recommendations, advisories, and advocacy materials are available.

(iGOT)-Diksha platform

• The (iGOT)-Diksha platform is used by NIMHANS to improve the online capability of health workers in providing psychosocial support and training.

 National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)

• The government is implementing the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) to provide the public, including the poor and underprivileged, with facilities for affordable and accessible mental healthcare.

 

District Mental Health Programme (DMHP)

• The National Health Mission has authorised the implementation of the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), a component of the NMHP, in 716 districts where support is given to States/UTs.
• The services provided under the DMHP at the Community Health Center (CHC) and Primary Health Centre (PHC) levels include outpatient services, assessment, counselling/psycho-social interventions, continuing care and support for people with severe mental disorders, drugs, outreach services, ambulance services, etc.

 Health and Wellness Centers (HWC)

• Under the Comprehensive Primary Health Care section of the Ayushman Bharat - HWC Program, mental health services have been added to the list of available services. Under the umbrella of Ayushman Bharat, operational guidelines on mental, neurological, and substance use disorders (MNS) at Health and Wellness Centers (HWC) have been made available.

 National Tele Mental Health Programme

• To increase nationwide access to high-quality mental health counselling and care, the government has launched the "National Tele Mental Health Programme." 36 Tele MANAS Cells have been established and mental health treatments have begun in 25 States and UTs as of March 9, 2023.

 

 Mental Health in India

https://www.iasgyan.in/blogs/mental-health-in-india

World Mental Health Day

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/world-mental-health-day

 

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Lack of available research and mental healthcare policies based on research is one of the main causes of India's poor mental health care. Critically evaluate.