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Monday, 4 April 2022

Translation (English-Hindi) Exercise – 55

April 7 of each year marks the celebration of World Health Day. From its inception at the First Health Assembly in 1948 and since taking effect in 1950, the celebration has aimed to create awareness of a specific health theme to highlight a priority area of concern for the World Health Organization (WHO).

 Mental health is an integral and essential component of health. The WHO constitution states: "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." An important implication of this definition is that mental health is more than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities. Mental health is one of the most neglected areas of health globally. This was true before COVID-19 (coronavirus), but the pandemic has further worsened the status of mental health.

 Mental health is not just the absence of mental disorder. It is defined as a state of well-being in which individuals realise their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and are able to make a positive contribution to their community. Mental health refers to a broad array of activities directly or indirectly related to mental wellbeing. Mental health is also related to promotion of mental well-being, prevention of mental disorders, and treatment and rehabilitation of people affected by mental disorders.

 The numbers are staggering. Today, nearly one billion people live with a mental disorder and in low-income countries, more than 75% of people with the disorder do not receive treatment. Every year, close to 3 million people die due to substance abuse. Every 40 seconds, a person dies by suicide. About 50% of mental health disorders start by the age of 14. It is estimated that over 160 million people need humanitarian assistance because of conflicts, natural disasters, and other emergencies. The rates of mental disorders can double during such crises. 1 in 5 individuals affected by conflict is estimated to have a mental health condition.

There are several reasons why mental health has been ignored. The first one is an associated stigma. The second is a perception of mental health disorders as a "luxury good", as opposed to actual illnesses. The additional top reasons include a fragmented and outdated service model. Some of these include the provision of mental health services mainly in psychiatric hospitals, severe lack of preventative mental health service; lagging policy changes and also a shortage of human resources.

Determinants of mental health and mental disorders include not only individual attributes such as the ability to manage one's thoughts, emotions, behaviours and interactions with others, but also social, cultural, economic, political and environmental factors such as national policies, social protection, standards of living, working conditions, and community support.

Mental health is an integral part of our overall health endeavour. Thus, a holistic approach that recognises strong linkage of body, mind, and soul is necessary. To address the burden of mental disorders, including depression, the Department of Health and Family Welfare has been implementing the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) since 1982.

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