Foundations of Mental Health and Rehabilitation: A Comprehensive Global and Indian Perspective

Description

Arun Sangwan¹ and Mukesh Kumar² (Department of Psychology, M.D. University, Rohtak, Haryana¹ and Rehabilitation Psychologist, State Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research (SIRTAR), Rohtak, Haryana²)

Mental health and rehabilitation are essential parts of global health, yet inequalities in access and quality persist. The current theoretical paper reviews the basic principles and conceptual frameworks that form the foundation of mental health and rehabilitation from the perspective of integrated global and Indian context. The paper employs the following frameworks: biopsychosocial, recovery-oriented, societal variables influencing health, community mental health, and trauma-informed care. A systematic review of more than thirty research studies (2000-2022) outlines the evolution of mental health research from epidemiological description to digital interventions and implementation science. India has unique and significant challenges: treatment gaps over 75%, a shortage of workforce (0.3 psychiatrists per 100,000 population), entrenched stigma, inadequate resource allocation (less than 1% of health budget), and lack of integration of services. Global mental health has been advanced by evidence-based interventions, task-sharing models, technology-enabled services, and a rights-based approach. Ten implications for community practice and six recommendations for research that would help address the prevailing gaps in knowledge have been presented in this paper. Tackling the global crisis in mental health requires collaboration across sectors, more resources, anti-stigma campaigns, strong implementation of policy, and meaningful participation of persons with lived experience.