Maharashtra is facing a severe mental health crisis, with official data revealing that 5,888 people have died due to mental health disorders over the past five years. According to figures from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and the Maharashtra State Health Department, the death toll from mental illnesses has been climbing steadily, raising urgent concerns among medical professionals and public health authorities.
From 2019 to 2023, the number of deaths linked to mental disorders has consistently exceeded 1,000 each year. In 2023 alone, 1,111 deaths were reported, comprising 826 men and 285 women. The leading causes behind these fatalities include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and drug-induced psychosis. The data shows that in 2019 there were 1,167 such deaths, 1,243 in 2020, 1,111 in 2021, a peak of 1,356 in 2022, and 1,111 again in 2023.
Commenting on the issue, Dr. Pratik Surandashe, MD Psychiatry, Consultant Psychiatrist at Apex Group of Hospitals, Borivali, said: “These numbers highlight not just a statistical concern but a deep-rooted crisis in the way mental health is perceived and addressed in society. Many patients go undiagnosed for years due to stigma, lack of resources, or simply because mental illness isn't given the same urgency as physical illness. We must approach this not only as a medical problem but as a public health emergency. Prevention, early detection, and continued psychiatric care are crucial to reducing these fatalities.”
Dr. Pratik Surandashe, MD Psychiatry, Consultant Psychiatrist further added, several contributing factors to this disturbing trend. Substance abuse has emerged as a major concern, with the use of drugs such as heroin, cocaine, cannabis, and alcohol directly worsening symptoms of mental illness. In many cases, these substances have acted as both triggers and accelerants of psychiatric deterioration. Conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have been particularly fatal, especially when patients go without timely diagnosis or effective intervention. Environmental stressors such as extreme heat, chronic social isolation, and lack of mental health literacy—especially in rural and underserved areas—have also compounded the crisis.
Notably, data from 2023 highlights that individuals aged between 45 and 54 are the most vulnerable demographic, accounting for the highest number of deaths. This reflects the long-term impact of untreated or inadequately managed psychiatric conditions across the lifespan.
In response to the alarming figures, the Maharashtra government has initiated multiple interventions. These include the establishment of 36 district mental health centers, the launch of dedicated mental health helplines, the appointment of mental health officers and community-level counselors, and the development of psychiatric clinics within district hospitals. Officials emphasize that early diagnosis, better accessibility to treatment, and community-based awareness initiatives are key to preventing further loss of life.
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