World Mental Health Day

A 24-year-old with a quiet charm, Angad had always been a cultured, well-mannered young man.  Though not as extroverted as his sister, he knew how to have fun and unwind. Last year, his mother, Meena, noticed something was off. Angad had become unusually withdrawn. He began avoiding social gatherings, preferring to spend time alone. While Meena knew he was going through a breakup, she felt it was taking Angad longer than expected to recover from his heartbreak.

Despite her best efforts to reach out, Angad, the dutiful son, would reassure her with a smile, saying he was fine. But Meena wasn’t convinced. She knew deep down that her son needed professional help. Living in a small town, though, finding a therapist wasn’t easy, and she hesitated, worried about the stigma and societal pressures tied to seeking mental health care.

Then, in October, Angad's sister heard about a mental health camp at her college for "World Mental Health Day." She urged the family to attend a workshop, hoping to learn more about mental well-being. Meeting with a few doctors at the event gave both Meena and Angad the courage to seek professional help finally.

It took some time, but slowly, Angad began to change. His outlook on life brightened, and the weight that seemed to burden him started to lift—those few weeks of therapy proved life-changing for Angad and his entire family.

Unfortunately, while there are a lot of people like Angad, not everyone can get easy access to their mental health needs. It is estimated that 1 in 5 people suffer from a type of mental health illness symptom. In India alone, the numbers are staggering. About 60 to 70 million people suffer from some of the most common mental disorders.

Mental health issues are often misunderstood and seen as a sign of weakness or instability. Lack of awareness and education further fuels this hesitance, with many believing problems can be resolved without professional help. Limited access to affordable therapy, especially in rural areas, also deters people. Additionally, the fear of being labelled or ostracised by the extended family or society at large keeps individuals from addressing their mental health needs.

This makes celebrating World Mental Health Day all the more crucial in India,  where stigma, limited awareness, and lack of access to mental healthcare persist. The mission of World Mental Health Day is to break this silence and erase the stigma. Read on to learn why this day matters and how it can matter.

International Mental Health Day

International Mental Health Day, also called Global Mental Health Day, is celebrated on 10 October worldwide. The aim is to raise awareness about mental health issues and mobilise measures in support of mental health. 

World Mental Health Day 2024 theme is “It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace.” 2 This theme highlights the vital role of mental health in the office/ workplace, reflecting the core values of the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), which was established in 1948.

The campaign focuses on promoting mental health within professional environments. The theme goal of World Mental Health Day 2024 is to involve a global audience that includes employees, employers, organisations, and stakeholders in advocacy for mental well-being at work. The aim is to emphasise the importance of mental health in professional settings, urging workplaces to prioritise, protect, and enhance mental wellness.

Mental Health Day 2024: Supporting Workplace Mental Health

Employers and employees can play a significant role in creating a healthy workplace environment. Here are a few things you can do for your employees and colleagues’ mental health.

1. First, show your gratitude; expressing appreciation can positively impact morale.
2. Be courteous and build connections with those around you to strengthen workplace relationships.
3. Organising mindfulness activities can also help promote mental well-being.
4. It's essential to remember that your mental health can affect others, so prioritise self-care.
5. The employer/leader should consider incorporating mental health coverage as part of group health insurance to provide additional support.
6. Creating an assistance program/ team/hiring a professional can help those in need. 
7. Actively promote workplace well-being to create a healthier environment for everyone.

Recent Updates on Health Insurance and Mental Wellness

Acknowledging the importance of mental health, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), following a Supreme Court mandate, has standardised mental illness coverage. On February 27, 2023, the court directed all health insurers (general and standalone) to offer products covering mental disorders. Companies must also include mental illness coverage in their health plans starting October 1, 2022. This move aims to ensure better support for individuals facing mental health challenges.

How to Get Insurance Coverage for Mental Health?

Care Health Insurance offers mental health coverage with the Care Supreme health insurance plan. Acknowledging the crucial role mental well-being plays in overall health and providing financial support for treatment costs, Care Health offers this comprehensive plan that can be the ideal way to get coverage for mental health-related issues.

The policy covers outpatient medical expenses, reimbursing you up to the chosen policy limit. You can select coverage from INR 7 lakhs to INR 1 crore. The plan also includes a cashless facility for counselling, consultations, and rehabilitation, at empanelled hospitals.

Wrapping Up!

At Care Health Insurance, we are committed to addressing the care gap in common mental health conditions. We continuously strive to find innovative solutions to expand and diversify our health insurance offerings, ensuring more comprehensive support for mental health needs. By including physical and mental health coverage, we aim to promote overall well-being and make mental health care accessible to all our customers.

>> Also Read: Does your Insurance Cover Mental Therapy?

Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.