PM Modi Urges Compassion, Awareness on World Mental Health Day 2025

World Mental Health Day spotlighted the critical importance of mental well-being, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizing its role as a cornerstone of overall health. In a powerful message shared on X, PM Modi called for greater compassion and awareness to address mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders, which affect millions globally and in India.

“World Mental Health Day reminds us that mental health is inseparable from our overall well-being,” Modi stated. He urged society to foster open conversations about mental health, breaking the stigma that often silences those suffering. “In today’s fast-paced world, we must reflect, show empathy, and create spaces where mental health discussions are normalized,” he added. The Prime Minister also praised the tireless efforts of mental health professionals, saluting their work in helping individuals heal and rediscover joy.

According to the National Mental Health Survey (2016), a staggering 13.2% of Indians will face a diagnosable mental health condition in their lifetime, with 10.6% currently affected. This translates to roughly one in ten Indians grappling with issues like depression—particularly prevalent among women—anxiety, or substance use disorders. These numbers highlight the urgent need for accessible mental health support, especially in a country as populous as India.

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To address this crisis, the Indian government has rolled out several initiatives. The Tele-MANAS program, launched in 2022, has been a game-changer, offering 24/7 mental health counseling in 20 languages across 53 cells in 36 states. By mid-March 2025, it had handled over 23.82 lakh calls, providing critical first-response support. The National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), now active as the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), operates in over 700 districts, deploying teams of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and nurses to deliver care at the grassroots level.

The government is also integrating mental health services into primary healthcare through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Under the AB PM-JAY scheme, 22 mental health procedures are now covered with cashless services, making treatment more accessible. Additionally, 47 government-run mental hospitals, including three central institutions, are operational, further strengthening the mental healthcare infrastructure.

This year’s World Mental Health Day theme, “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” underscores the need to prioritize mental health support during crises. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasized that humanitarian emergencies exacerbate mental health challenges, calling for urgent action to ensure psychosocial support for those affected. “Let’s build a world where mental health is valued, protected, and accessible to all, especially in times of adversity,” the WHO declared.

PM Modi’s call to action resonates globally, urging individuals, communities, and policymakers to work together to destigmatize mental health and expand access to care. As India takes bold steps to address this silent epidemic, the focus remains on creating a society where no one suffers in silence.

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