The burden of mental illness in India: Physical activity–a cost-effective way forward

Mental illnesses are the diseases of prolonged duration and mostly slow in progression. Low-income and lower middle income countries currently faces the burden of mental illness, greater loss of lives and economy of the country. Mental illness is recognized as major contributor to adverse health conditions, poverty and thus a barrier to economic development. At least 13.7% of India's general population has been projected to be suffering from a variety of mental illnesses; and 10.6% of this requires immediate intervention. This article explores the burden of mental illness in India (a lower middle-income country). It also discusses the role of physical activity as prevention and treatment measure for mental illness. After reviewing different articles and reports from World Health Organization and other national and international organizations, it was found that in India health care system is not yet fully re-oriented to address the mental illness burden. Hence, physical activity must be promoted and recommended as a cost-effective intervention to address this burden.