India’s mental health burden is well documented: one in seven people suffer from mental illness and approximately 70–92 percent of disorders go untreated. According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of mental health problems in India is estimated to produce economic losses of approximately USD 1.03 trillion between 2012 and 2030. These financial setbacks could result from poor mental health in the workplace, which affects employees’ productivity and performance and increases attrition levels. At the household level, out-of-pocket expenditure on mental healthcare can push an Indian family below the poverty line.

Given the massive scale of the challenge and its implications for the country’s social, economic, health, and sustainable development, government support is critical. However, this alone can’t address the crisis. Over the past five years, public spending on mental health in India has stagnated at approximately 1 percent of the overall health budget, showcasing the necessity of philanthropic and private sector resources in bridging funding gaps.

The flexible nature of philanthropic giving means that it is far better positioned to make a greater impact and create long-lasting change, especially where it is needed the most: at the primary care level. It can also provide risk capital for innovation, science, and research—something that is much needed in the field.

To understand Indian philanthropy’s response to mental health challenges, the Centre for Asian Philanthropy India (CAPI) conducted semi-structured interviews with 43 donors, nonprofit leaders, and experts from 31 organisations working to improve mental health. The insights from these interviews are detailed in a report titled Mindful Investments: Philanthropy for Mental Health in India. The report highlights key approaches to mental health in Indian philanthropy, challenges in the funding landscape, and recommendations and opportunities to help donors better address India’s mental health needs.

Here are some of its key findings.

  • Philanthropic funding for mental health is limited but is on the rise
  • Three key approaches in philanthropic giving
  • Several challenges hinder donors from giving more

Read the full article about India's mental health crisis by Ketaki Purohit at India Development Review.