Mental health is one of the most important aspects of an individual’s well-being. It is the sum of a person’s social, emotional, and psychological well-being. A healthy mind can accomplish tasks more efficiently, develop cooperative relationships with others, and help in keeping the mind in check during stressful circumstances. Following the global spread of Covid-19, there has been a greater emphasis on mental health and its repercussions.
The epidemic forced humankind to live a solitary life of isolation in their houses, following the government’s social distance guidelines to ensure their own safety. However, this security came at a cost. Mental depression spread across the board, and individuals suffered greatly from psychological issues such as anxiety and stress. Although the work-from-home system managed to reestablish a semblance of industrial struggle, it also fostered a number of mental problems. Soon after these difficulties became public, the importance of mental health in an individual’s overall well-being became prominent.
In 2020, 40% of Indians were suffering from mental health issues caused by the Covid-19. The Indian Psychiatric Society surprised everyone when it issued a survey that included the above findings. Furthermore, according to a WHO research, India ranks sixth on the list of the world’s most depressed countries, overtaking nations such as China and the United States of America. These figures have now piqued the interest of both government and the general public, heightening the seriousness of the issue significantly. There are organisations dedicated to disseminating knowledge about the negative effects of mental illnesses in order to reduce the incidence of suicides worldwide.
Need for Growth of Mental Health Awareness
With increased awareness of mental health issues, it is critical that people suffering from mental illnesses receive the same treatment as those suffering from physical disorders. It is only possible if we increase the number of mental health centres, physicians, and counselors, as well as reach out to people in need. Simultaneously, it is critical to break the stigma associated with mental health in our society and emphasise its value as a community. There is an increasing demand for a peer network that serves as a safe place for publicly acknowledging and addressing issues.
A Friend in Need- Health Insurance
It is hard to discuss mental health without mentioning insurance. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) issued rules in 2019 stating that mental illness, mental conditions, neurodegenerative disorders, and other conditions must be covered by health insurance in order to offer mental healthcare to all. Because of these previously established ground principles, all mental diseases are now covered by health insurance coverage and treated in the same manner as other physical ailments. Therefore, if you have medical insurance, you will receive the well-rounded, combined benefits of mental and physical health security from your insurer.
If you don’t currently have health insurance, now is an excellent time to consider getting one. As the need for mental health treatment grows, so does the expense of such treatment. In India, the average cost of a single psychiatric consultation is roughly Rs 1500. Suppose you go to the psychiatrist four times a month. This would imply that your monthly expenditure on mental health would be around Rs. 6,000. A comprehensive health insurance plan will come to your rescue and cover such expenses at this point. It restricts you from spending your income in case of a medical emergency. Hence, it is wise to prepare for whatever unforeseen events may arise in the future.
When looking for a health insurance plan which covers mental illness, it is important to determine if you need Out Patient Department (OPD) or In-Patient Department coverage. Typically, health insurance policies provide coverage for mental illnesses as part of in-patient hospitalization. It’s better to get a comprehensive indemnity plan that includes hospitalization, but if you have a therapy-related illness, you’ll require an OPD plan. Plans such as Care Plus and Star Comprehensive health insurance plan now cover OPD expenditures with rewards of up to Rs. 1200 per year. Max Bupa’s Go Activ plan is another health insurance policy that provides outpatient consultation benefits of up to Rs. 1500.
