The topic of mental health was actively discussed at the HealthWealth Summit. There is a significant increase in discussions on social media regarding conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress, with users sharing their experiences and striving to raise awareness about mental health. However, despite this activity, it is not clear that the number of people receiving treatment for mental problems has increased.
During the session 'All is Hell?' at the India Today event, Dr. Samir Parikh, Chairman and Director of the Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences at Fortis Healthcare, noted that while conversations about mental health have become more frequent, one cannot conclude a proportional increase in the number of people seeking treatment.
According to Dr. Samir Parikh, about 75 percent of people facing mental health issues still do not seek help. Reasons for this may include social stigma associated with mental illness, lack of public information, and limited access to treatment. Many people mistakenly consider mental stress, sadness, or worry as a sign of personal weakness, which leads to delayed treatment.
A warning was also given regarding mental health discussions on social media. It was emphasized that the algorithms of these platforms influence which posts are shown to the user. For example, if a person starts following content related to depression or anxiety, they will be offered more such material. This can create a false impression that the entire society is discussing mental health and easily seeking support.
The session also discussed the growing level of stress among youth. Dr. Parikh stated that although mental stress has always existed, its causes and circumstances change over time. Therefore, instead of denying stress, it is necessary to focus on teaching people skills to cope with its consequences.
Dr. Manushri Gupta, President of the Delhi Psychiatric Society, and Dr. Sandeep Vohra, a psychiatrist and digital mental health entrepreneur, participated in the discussion. The main conclusion of the session is that the increase in mental health discussions is a positive step, but the real benefit of raising awareness will only be achieved when people feel comfortable seeking help when needed.