82 Per Cent Unaware Of Mental Health Insurance Coverage: Sukoon Health Survey
In a significant revelation during Mental Health Awareness Month, Sukoon Health, a chain of super-speciality hospitals in India, has uncovered crucial insights about the state of mental health awareness and care in the country. The findings from their survey have shed light on the perceptions, awareness, and experiences of mental health care among the Indian population. With a staggering 82 per cent of respondents being unaware that insurance can cover the costs of mental health treatment, this knowledge gap underscores the need for increased education and support for mental health treatment options in India.
The survey, conducted across India and encompassing a wide age range, revealed some key findings that point to both progress and persisting challenges in the realm of mental health care.
Limited Knowledge Persists:
One concerning aspect highlighted in the survey was the limited knowledge that many respondents had regarding various mental health conditions. For instance, a significant 33.8 per cent had little to no knowledge about Alcohol and Drug Addiction, while 22 per cent possessed only a moderate understanding. Knowledge gaps also persisted for conditions like bipolar disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia, severe anxiety, and severe depression. These knowledge gaps underscore the urgent need for enhanced mental health education to create a more informed and supportive society.
Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders:
Approximately 24 per cent of respondents indicated that either themselves or someone they knew had experienced a serious mental health disorder. This statistic underscores the widespread impact of mental health conditions within Indian society, emphasizing the urgency of prioritizing mental health on a societal level. Recognizing the scale of individuals affected by mental health issues is not only a matter of compassion and empathy but also carries significant implications for resource allocation within the mental healthcare sector.
The Importance of Diagnosis and Treatment:
A significant 29 per cent of participants agreed that mental health conditions require proper diagnosis and treatment, demonstrating a broad understanding of the importance of mental health care and the need for support and intervention. Approximately 33 per cent of individuals actively seek treatment from therapists or counsellors for serious mental health conditions. This shift in societal attitudes towards mental well-being is significant, one that recognizes the necessity of diagnosis and treatment as crucial steps toward reducing the stigma associated with mental health conditions.
Diverse Treatment Experiences:
Respondents reported diverse experiences with mental health care, with 17 per cent reporting very positive outcomes, while 15 per cent faced very negative experiences. This highlights the need for tailored and person-centred approaches to care. Sukoon Health, with its team of experienced psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, counsellors, and art-based therapists, is looking to ensure that individuals who require intervention receive personalized care.
Barriers to Seeking Treatment:
The survey identified significant barriers individuals face when seeking mental health treatment, including enduring stigma and fear of discrimination (30 per cent), lack of awareness (26 per cent), and financial constraints (15 per cent). These findings underscore the multifaceted challenges individuals encounter when accessing mental health care and emphasize the imperative need to address these barriers for a more inclusive and supportive mental health ecosystem.
Insurance Awareness:
Perhaps one of the most critical revelations of the survey was that 82 per cent of respondents were unaware that insurance can cover the costs of mental health treatment. This significant gap in awareness emphasizes the need for widespread education on available resources and support for mental health treatment, ensuring that individuals are aware of the options available to them.
