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New Delhi: Mental disorders afflict at least 60 million Indians - a number more than the population of South Africa – as per the latest data available.


In May 2016, Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda informed the Lok Sabha that nearly 10-20 million Indians suffered from severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and nearly 50 million suffered from common mental disorders like depression and anxiety at the end of 2005, quoting data from National Commission on Macroeconomics and Health, 2005.


 


Putting a damper to the already worsening condition is the fact that the country is short of health professionals to address mental issues, the minister also revealed.


Also, a Lancet report suggested that the burden of mental illness will increase more rapidly in India than in China over the next 10 years. The report also said that in 2013, 31 million years of healthy life were lost to mental illness in India. However, by 2025, 38.1 million years of healthy life will be lost to mental illness in India (23% increase).


 


Keeping in mind that mental fitness is equally important as physical fitness, it is vital to make healthy lifestyle


choices. On the occasion of World Mental Health Week, the Ministry of Health has tweeted some useful tips to stay mentally healthy. Follow these tips and be mentally fit.



World Mental Health Week is held every October to coincide with World Mental Health Day (10 October). The main objective of the event is to promote social and emotional well-being as well as raise community awareness about mental health issues.