A recent study has revealed that a third of the growing global burden of mental illness are in two of the world's most populous countries - China and India, where millions of individuals are left untreated because of stigma and lack of resources.

According to the study published in Lancet, only about 6six percent of the people in China or one in every ten individuals suffering from mental diseases seek medical help from professionals.

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"India and China together... are at a remarkable stage of epidemiologic and demographic transition," Dr. Vikram Patek, a professor of international mental health, said.

With less than one percent of the national budget being allocated for mental health care in both countries, factors such as the inadequate number of mental health professionals, poor access to mental health services, low investment, and high level of stigma are hindering people from receiving specialist help.

"We manage an astonishing degree of disregard in not treating a large majority of people with mental illnesses in every country on earth," Graham Thornicroft from the Global Mental Health at King's College London said. He noted that government must be able to discern not only the direct impact of mental diseases but also its indirect effect on people's lives.

"I think politicians and service planners will find this research valuable," Dr. Alex Cohen from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said. "But if you don't have resources to treat more than 2 percent of the people who need it," then the burden could be greater.

Meanwhile, researcher Fiona J Charlson also revealed the growing dilemma that both countries face over a 13-year timeframe. She noted that "mental, neurological and substance use disorders" accounted for seven percent and three percent of the Chinese and Indian population, respectively, in 1990. The figures climbed to 11 percent and six percent, respectively, in 2013.

If left undealt with, the numbers could rose over the next decade. Researchers predict cases will increase by ten percent in China and 23 percent in India.

For the first time, the United Nations (UN) is acknowledging the emerging issue of mental health as a global priority. The UN is now developing a way to measure mental health and to improve it in the next 15 years. 

Tagschina, India, mental health, mental healthcare, depression, substance abuse, anxiety