How common are mental health problems in India?
About 1 in 10 adults in India (10.6%) had a mental disorder at the time of the National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16. Many of them were not receiving treatment. Mental health conditions are common and treatable.
Last updated 2 November 2026
What the survey found
- About 10.6% of adults had a mental disorder at the time of the survey, and about 13.7% at some point in their lives. Tobacco use disorders are not counted.
- The report estimated that about 150 million people in India needed active help.
- The survey, led by NIMHANS, covered adults aged 18 and above in 12 states.
The treatment gap
Many people with a mental disorder were not getting treatment. The survey reported large gaps across conditions, reaching 86% for alcohol use disorders.
What this means for you
If you are struggling, you are not alone, and help works. You do not need to wait until things are severe. If you are worried about your own mood, worry or sleep, or about someone close to you, you can talk to a psychiatrist online from home.
The survey is from 2015-16, so today's numbers may differ.
What to do next
Browse mental health conditions to read about specific problems, or see the signs of anxiety and depression. If this describes you, read when to see a psychiatrist. Mindly sees people online in every Indian city, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad. See online psychiatrist in India.
How to start
- Call or message us. Reach us on +91 90352 54779 or WhatsApp. Tell us your language and a convenient time.
- Free pre-consultation call. Our team takes your history and prepares a report for your clinician, so you do not repeat yourself.
- Video session. You meet your allotted clinician online, from home or wherever you feel comfortable.
- Your plan. The clinician explains what they find and the next steps. You decide together.
Book your free pre-consultation call
Your privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Which mental health conditions are most common in India?
The survey found that depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, among others, were among the more common conditions. A clinician can tell you what fits your situation.
Is mental illness treatable?
Yes. Many conditions improve with therapy, medicine, or both, and early help usually makes recovery easier.
Related
- All conditions
- When to see a psychiatrist
- Helplines and resources
- Does online therapy work?
- How to talk to your family about mental health
- How families can support someone in treatment
Sources
Mindly Health is not an emergency service. If someone is in immediate danger, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416.