Alarming increase in number of people seeking treatment; what is causing the skyrocketing rate of mental illness patients? Experts answer

THRISSUR: The number of people seeking treatment for mental illness in the state of Kerala has more than doubled. In 2023, 4.18 lakh people sought treatment in various hospitals, while last year 9.17 lakh people sought treatment. Many children starting from the age of 16 are visiting doctors to treat mental stress.

The number of people undergoing inpatient treatment has also increased. The percentage of people with mental illness in the state's population has increased from 14.4 percent earlier to 18.4 percent. Thiruvananthapuram, Malappuram, and Thrissur districts have a higher number of people visiting hospitals for treatment. Malappuram has the highest number of people that came for treatment. Although there are mental hospitals in Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Thrissur districts, most of the treatment is provided in medical colleges and private hospitals. There are no facilities to treat more patients in these places. There are hospitals for treating mental patients in Thrissur at Padinjare Kotta, Kuthiravattom and Oolampara. A few beds have also been set up in various government hospitals to treat those who come with severe mental illness.

Those who sought treatment

Malappuram

2023 - 1,45,101

2024 - 1,53,231

Thiruvananthapuram

2023 - 44,876

2024 - 1,28,892

Thrissur

2023 - 36,475

2024 - 98,856

Although mental problems are seen in drug and alcohol addicts, the main causes of the disease are family background and depression. It can also be hereditary. Being in a nuclear family and having to live alone can be mentally debilitating. The speciality of the joint family system was that if there were any problems, you could share your sorrow with others. Now everyone is keeping their problems to themselves. This causes mental illness.

Dr. Shiny John

Department of Psychiatry (HOD)

Amala Medical College.