October 13, 2026 6:32 PM

A Pause from Screens, a Return to Letters: India Post, IndiGo Take Digital Detox Campaign to the Skies

In a bid to revive the charm of handwritten communication in an increasingly digital world, the Department of Posts, under the Ministry of Communications, collaborated with IndiGo to organise a unique Digital Detox Campaign on October 12, observed as Philately Day during the ongoing National Postal Week celebrations from October 9 to 15. The initiative encouraged air travellers to step away from their digital devices, put their thoughts on paper and reconnect with loved ones through handwritten ...

September 16, 2026 3:44 PM

Study links air pollution to death by suicide, suicidal thoughts

A review of available evidence has linked exposure to air pollutants with an increased risk of death by suicide or suicidal thoughts, with particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10 and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) posing the greatest risks. The findings, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, underscore the need to consider environmental exposures as potentially modifiable risk factors in suicide prevention strategies, researchers said. The team from Queen’s University Belfast in t...

September 10, 2026 11:32 AM

World Suicide Prevention Day 2026: Changing the Narrative, Starting the Conversation

Suicide prevention is not only a public health imperative but also a collective responsibility that begins with changing how society talks about mental distress, vulnerability and seeking help. Observed every year on September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) 2026 marks the third and final year of the triennial theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, with the call to action “Start the Conversation.” The theme seeks to move the conversation away from silence, stigma and harmful...

February 15, 2026 2:31 PM

Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee drafts comprehensive mental health policy; holds inter-IIT talks

In a significant move aimed at strengthening student well-being, the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) has begun drafting a comprehensive mental health policy for its campus community, an initiative that could serve as a model for other IITs. The first draft has been prepared by the institute’s Wellness Centre, which provides mental health support to students, faculty and staff. The framework was developed in consultation with the Dean of Student Welfare, Associate Dean of ...

November 10, 2025 4:40 PM

Understanding mental health: Global perspectives and India’s expanding focus

Mental well-being is not merely about feeling happy or stress-free - it’s about the ability to think, feel, connect, and function effectively in daily life. In recent years, global and national attention on mental health has surged, transforming what was once a silent struggle into a central conversation about human rights, public health, and social development. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health conditions are among the leading causes of disability worldwide. An ...

March 25, 2025 3:42 PM

AB PM-JAY enables Rs. 87 crore in cashless mental health treatments with 77,634 hospital admissions

Under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri – Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), the National Health Benefit Package has expanded to cover 1,961 procedures across 27 medical specialties, including 22 for mental disorders. As of March 21, 2025, 77,634 hospital admissions worth Rs. 87 crore have been authorized, providing beneficiaries with cashless treatment for conditions such as schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and intellectual disabilities. The Government continues to improve mental healthcare...

February 21, 2025 4:04 PM

Experts stress mental health and stigma reduction for adolescents

Addressing mental health needs and breaking the stigma surrounding psychological issues is essential for the well-being and development of adolescents, according to psychology experts. Adolescence is marked by rapid physical, psychological, and social changes that can often lead to stress. Studies indicate a rise in stress levels among adolescents, posing a challenge to their mental well-being. Factors such as brain development, hormonal changes, bullying, coping skills, and resilience play a k...

February 20, 2025 3:01 PM

India sees over 30 percent decline in suicide death rates from 1990 to 2021: Lancet

India has seen a more than 30 percent reduction in the suicide death rate from 1990 to 2021, according to a study published in The Lancet Public Health on Thursday, marking a significant progress in health strategies. The analysis, based on the results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021, showed that the suicide death rate in India was 18.9 per lakh population in 1990, in 2019 it stood at 13·1 lakh per lakh population and 13 per lakh population in 202...

January 31, 2025 6:53 PM

Improving mental health crucial for India’s future workforce, says Economic Survey 2025

The Economic Survey 2024-25, presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, examines the connection between mental health and the country’s economic future. It discusses how mental well-being plays a key role in overcoming challenges and maintaining productivity. The survey defines mental well-being as encompassing emotional, social, cognitive, and physical health, all of which contribute to overall health. The survey identifies lifestyle choices, workplace culture, and family dynami...

January 3, 2025 5:12 PM

Embracing Balance: International Day for Mind and Body Wellness promotes holistic health

In today’s fast-paced world, where the hustle and bustle of life affects every age group, issues like stress, anxiety, and heart-related problems have become widespread. To promote a balance between mental and physical health, International Mind and Body Wellness Day is celebrated on January 3rd every year, a global initiative first observed in 2019. This day reminds us that health isn’t just about physical fitness—it’s about mental wellness too. Psychosomatic Diseases and Mental Heal...