List of Most Common Mental Health Disorders in India

A mental health disorder is classified as any key disturbance in a person's cognition. It can affect one's thinking, feelings, behavior, and mood. A mental disorder is not the result of a single event. Research suggests that several factors, such as genetics, environment, lifestyle, and biology, may influence the development of a mental illness. Facing stress at home, a job, or experiencing a traumatic life event can also make people susceptible to mental health conditions. All of these factors combined can impact someone’s daily life and mental state.

In 2017, the World Health Organization reported an increased burden of mental illnesses across the states of India. It was estimated that there were 197.3 million people who needed treatment. About 45.7 million had a depressive disorder, while 44.9 million had anxiety disorders. Additionally, ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, these numbers have increased.

It’s important to note that if you have a mental illness or are showing emotional and physical symptoms of one, you are not alone. More people than you might imagine suffer from mental health problems. Yet, discussion about them is scarce, largely because people find it uncomfortable or frightening to talk about them. Regardless, nobody is to blame for mental illness. And for many people, recovery is possible through various treatment options. For the most effective treatment, consult a mental health professional and take an active part in your recovery process.