The Mental Wellness Economy

How meditation apps, therapy platforms and mental health services are growing, and why the gap between need and treatment remains large.

Mental wellness has become a major part of the wellness economy.

Products and services

Meditation apps like Headspace and Calm, and Indian apps.
Online therapy platforms.
Corporate mental health benefits.
Retreats and workshops.

The treatment gap

India’s National Mental Health Survey (2015-16) found around 1 in 10 adults had a mental health condition, but most didn’t receive treatment.

Why the gap

Stigma.
Shortage of psychiatrists and psychologists.
Cost of private care.

Policy

The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 recognised a right to mental healthcare.
Tele-MANAS (2022), a national tele-mental health helpline, expanded access.

Apps and evidence

Apps can help with stress and mild conditions.
They’re not substitutes for professional treatment in serious cases.

Economic costs

Depression and anxiety cause large losses in productivity. WHO estimated they cost the global economy around 1 trillion dollars a year in lost productivity.

The helpline call

A college student feeling overwhelmed calls Tele-MANAS and is connected to a counsellor in her language, getting help she couldn't afford privately.

Thinking meditation apps solve mental health problems

They help with stress but aren't substitutes for professional care.

Key takeaways

Meditation apps and online therapy are growing.
About 1 in 10 Indian adults had a mental health condition in 2015-16.
Stigma, shortages and costs create a treatment gap.
Depression and anxiety cost about 1 trillion dollars a year in productivity.