The Looming Mental Health Crisis: Digital Addiction, Budgetary Shifts, and the Path Forward
Around 70% to 92% of people with mental disorders do not receive proper treatment due to lack of awareness, stigma, and shortage of professionals. Representational image. | Photo Credit: Getty Images/istockphoto
The Rising Tide of Digital Addiction
The Economic Survey 2025-26 has brought into sharp focus the growing public health concern of digital addiction, particularly among young people. This coincides with a broader recognition of the mental health burden in India, which accounts for nearly one-third of the world’s cases of suicide, depression, and addiction. Suicide is a leading cause of death for Indians aged 15-29. The survey highlights the necessitate for regulatory and community-based models to restrict social media and gaming access for teenagers.
Budgetary Responses and Infrastructure Development
The recent Union Budget 2026 signaled a commitment to strengthening mental health infrastructure. Key initiatives include the proposed establishment of a second National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) in north India, alongside upgrades to existing institutions in Ranchi and Tezpur. These developments aim to improve regional access to specialized mental healthcare. The government has also integrated mental health services into Ayushman Bharat’s Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs), upgrading over 1.73 lakh facilities. Over 20 centres of excellence have been sanctioned to train more postgraduate students in mental health. Tele MANAS, a 24×7 tele-mental health initiative, is now operational across 36 States/UTs.
The Funding Gap: A Critical Concern
Despite increases in mental health allocation – rising from ₹683 crore in 2020-21 to approximately ₹1,898 crore in 2024-25 – experts argue that funding remains critically low. The current allocation represents less than 2% of the total health budget, which itself constitutes only around 2% of the national GDP. This underinvestment is particularly concerning given the estimated economic loss of $1.03 trillion due to mental health conditions in India between 2012 and 2030. Around 70% to 92% of individuals with mental disorders currently lack access to proper treatment.
The Specialist Shortage and Access Barriers
India faces a significant shortage of mental health professionals. The country has only 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, falling short of the World Health Organization’s recommendation of at least three per 100,000. This scarcity contributes to a 95% gap in access to mental health care. While funds are allocated, experts point to challenges in their effective utilization at the national level, emphasizing the need for community-based, early-intervention models.
Future Trends and the Path to Improved Mental Wellbeing
The focus is shifting towards a “whole-of-community” approach, integrating mental wellbeing into school curricula and strengthening workplace policies to address stress and burnout. However, a fundamental shift is needed to prioritize preventative care and address the root causes of mental health issues. This includes tackling digital addiction through responsible technology use and promoting mental health literacy across all segments of society. Investment in training and scaling up the workforce of mental health professionals, particularly at the community level, is crucial.
FAQ: Addressing Common Questions
**Q: What is Tele MANAS?** A: Tele MANAS is a 24×7, free tele-mental health assistance and networking service available across India via toll-free helplines 14416 or 1-800-891-4416. **Q: How many psychiatrists are there in India per 100,000 people?** A: India currently has 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people. **Q: What percentage of people with mental disorders in India receive treatment?** A: Approximately 70% to 92% of people with mental disorders in India do not receive proper treatment. **Q: What is the estimated economic loss to India due to mental health conditions?** A: The estimated economic loss due to mental health conditions in India between 2012 and 2030 is $1.03 trillion.
**Pro Tip:** Prioritize digital wellbeing by setting screen time limits and engaging in offline activities. **Did you recognize?** Digital addiction can have similar neurological effects to substance addiction, impacting reward pathways in the brain. **Further Reading:** Explore resources on digital addiction from Stanford University: [https://web.stanford.edu/~gentzkow/research/DigitalAddiction.pdf](https://web.stanford.edu/~gentzkow/research/DigitalAddiction.pdf) **What are your thoughts on the growing mental health crisis? Share your experiences and ideas in the comments below!**
