Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel today said that mental health is an essential part of overall health and well-being and is closely linked to productivity and quality of life. Addressing the Mental Health of Young India Conclave organised by a news magazine in New Delhi, she noted that youth and adolescents constitute one-fourth of India’s population, and their good health will determine the direction of the country’s progress in the future.

Ms Patel highlighted that the rapidly increasing mental illnesses in this demographic are a matter of serious concern. She noted that the Government has accelerated the National Mental Health Programme to address this challenge. The Minister pointed out that arrangements for mental health awareness and screening have been made at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Additionally, a new initiative, the Tele-MANAS helpline, has been introduced and is available to everyone round the clock. Ms Patel urged the society as a whole to unite to tackle this challenge and to raise awareness about mental health, along with contributing to breaking the associated social stigma.