• Published on: Oct 03, 2025
  • 2 minute read
  • By: Secondmedic Expert

Mental Health In India: Breaking The Silence

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Mental health has long been a neglected aspect of healthcare in India. While conversations around diabetes, cancer, or heart disease are open, discussions about depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder often happen in whispers, if at all. This silence is costly.

According to a 2017 Lancet Psychiatry study, nearly 197 million Indians suffer from mental health disorders. That’s one in every seven people. Yet, less than 30% receive professional treatment, leaving millions untreated or undertreated.

The Barriers We Face

The challenges are both cultural and structural.

  • Stigma & Myths – Many still view mental illness as a weakness or something to be hidden.

  • Shortage of Professionals – India has fewer than 1 psychiatrist for every 100,000 people, far below WHO recommendations.

  • Infrastructure Gaps – Mental health services are concentrated in metro cities, leaving rural India underserved.

  • Affordability – Private therapy can be expensive, while government facilities remain limited.

Progress and Initiatives

Despite hurdles, progress is visible.

  • The National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) works to integrate mental health into primary healthcare.

  • In 2022, the government launched Tele-MANAS, a national tele-mental health helpline, making counseling more accessible.

  • Non-profits and awareness campaigns like #It’sOkayToTalk and Mental Health India Alliance are helping reduce stigma.

  • Schools and workplaces are beginning to include counseling and stress-management workshops.

The Digital Shift

The pandemic was a turning point. Lockdowns, isolation, and job losses worsened mental health issues—but they also accelerated the use of digital platforms. Today, many Indians are turning to online therapy and telepsychiatry for confidential, stigma-free support.

Platforms like SecondMedic integrate mental health with overall care, offering:

  • Tele-counseling with psychologists and psychiatrists

  • Diagnostics & lab tests to rule out underlying causes like thyroid or vitamin deficiencies

  • Medicine delivery for long-term management

  • Second opinions from specialists when needed

This model ensures patients don’t just talk about symptoms but get holistic, medical + psychological care.

Conclusion

Mental health in India is at a crossroads. On one side are stigma, silence, and lack of resources. On the other side are rising awareness, digital health solutions, and government support. Bridging the gap requires collective effort—individuals opening up, families supporting without judgment, policies scaling access, and platforms like SecondMedic offering integrated care.

Mental health is health. And the sooner India treats it that way, the stronger our communities will be.

Book a confidential mental health consultation with SecondMedic today ? https://www.secondmedic.com

Numbers and Platforms That Matter

  • 197 million Indians live with mental disorders (Lancet Psychiatry, 2017).

  • The treatment gap is more than 70% in India.

  • Tele-MANAS Helpline launched in 2022 offers free counseling nationwide (mohfw.gov.in).

  • National Mental Health Survey (2016, NIMHANS) provides prevalence data across states (nimhans.ac.in).

  • NITI Aayog Health Reports highlight workforce shortages and mental health burden (niti.gov.in).

Read FAQs


A. According to the Lancet study (2017), about 197 million Indians live with mental disorders—roughly 1 in 7 people.

A. Stigma, lack of trained professionals, limited infrastructure, and affordability remain the biggest hurdles.

A. Yes. The National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) and Tele-MANAS (2022) aim to expand counseling and telepsychiatry services across states.

A. Online counseling and telepsychiatry platforms like SecondMedic allow people to consult doctors and therapists confidentially, reducing stigma barriers.

A. Prioritize sleep, balanced diet, physical activity, stress-management practices like yoga and meditation, and seek professional support when needed.

Read Blog
Zincovit

Zincovit Tablets: Uses, Benefits, Dosage, and Side Effects Explained

Nutritional deficiencies are common in India due to irregular diets, stress, fast-paced lifestyles and increased health demands. Multivitamin supplements are often recommended to support overall health, immunity and energy levels. One commonly prescribed supplement is Zincovit tablets.

This comprehensive guide explains what Zincovit is, its uses, benefits, dosage recommendations and potential side effects.

 

What Are Zincovit Tablets?

Zincovit is a multivitamin and multimineral supplement that contains:

  • Zinc
     

  • Vitamin C
     

  • B-complex vitamins
     

  • Vitamin A
     

  • Vitamin D
     

  • Vitamin E
     

  • Selenium and other antioxidants
     

It is commonly prescribed to address nutritional deficiencies and support immune function.

 

Uses of Zincovit Tablets

Zincovit may be recommended for:

1. Nutritional Deficiencies

Helps replenish low vitamin and mineral levels due to poor diet or illness.

2. Weak Immunity

Zinc and vitamin C support immune system function.

3. Recovery After Illness

Often prescribed during recovery from infections, surgery or prolonged weakness.

4. Fatigue and Low Energy

B vitamins help improve energy metabolism.

5. Hair and Skin Health

Zinc and antioxidants may support healthy skin and hair.

 

Benefits of Zincovit Tablets

Immune Support

Zinc plays a vital role in immune cell function.

Antioxidant Protection

Vitamins C and E help reduce oxidative stress.

Improved Energy Levels

B-complex vitamins aid in converting food into energy.

Better Nutritional Balance

Supports individuals with dietary gaps.

Support During Stress

Stress can deplete nutrients; supplementation may help maintain balance.

 

Recommended Dosage

  • Adults: Usually one tablet daily after meals
     

  • Children: Only if prescribed by a pediatrician
     

  • Duration: As advised by healthcare professional
     

Do not exceed recommended dosage without medical guidance.

 

How to Take Zincovit

  • Take after food to prevent stomach irritation
     

  • Swallow whole with water
     

  • Avoid taking with high-calcium foods unless advised
     

Consistency improves effectiveness.

 

Possible Side Effects

Zincovit is generally well tolerated. However, some individuals may experience:

  • Nausea
     

  • Mild stomach discomfort
     

  • Metallic taste
     

  • Constipation or diarrhea (rare)
     

Severe allergic reactions are uncommon but require immediate medical attention.

 

Who Should Use Caution?

Consult a doctor before taking Zincovit if you have:

  • Kidney disorders
     

  • Liver disease
     

  • Thyroid problems
     

  • Known allergies to supplement components
     

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should seek medical advice before use.

 

Can Zincovit Be Taken Long-Term?

Short-term use for deficiency correction is common. Long-term use should be monitored by a healthcare provider to avoid excessive intake of certain vitamins or minerals.

Excess zinc intake may interfere with copper absorption if taken excessively over time.

 

Zincovit and Immunity in India

With increasing concern about immunity and viral infections, supplements containing zinc and antioxidants have gained popularity. However, supplements should complement — not replace — a balanced diet rich in:

  • Fruits
     

  • Vegetables
     

  • Whole grains
     

  • Protein sources
     

Healthy lifestyle habits remain essential.

 

When to Consult a Doctor

Seek medical advice if you experience:

  • Persistent fatigue
     

  • Recurrent infections
     

  • Unexplained weight loss
     

  • Severe weakness
     

These may indicate underlying medical conditions beyond nutritional deficiency.

 

Balanced Nutrition Still Matters

Supplements cannot substitute a healthy diet. Combine Zincovit with:

  • Proper hydration
     

  • Regular exercise
     

  • Adequate sleep
     

  • Stress management
     

This ensures overall wellness.

 

Conclusion

Zincovit tablets are widely used multivitamin supplements that support immunity, energy levels and overall nutritional balance. When taken in recommended doses, they are generally safe and beneficial for individuals with dietary deficiencies or increased nutritional needs.

However, supplements should be used responsibly and under medical guidance, especially for long-term use. Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle remains the foundation of good health.

If you are unsure whether Zincovit is right for you, consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

 

References

  • Indian Council of Medical Research – Nutrient Guidelines

  • World Health Organization – Micronutrient Recommendations

  • National Health Portal India – Supplement Safety

  • Journal of Clinical Nutrition – Zinc and Immunity Studies

  • National Institute of Nutrition India – Dietary Guidelines

See all

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