Perception, Knowledge, and Attitude toward Mental Illness among Undergraduate Medical Students in a Tertiary Care Center, Thiruvalla

IntroductIonIn recent times, there has been a growing recognition of the significant function that mental health performs in the successful attainment of worldwide developmental aims, demonstrated by its incorporation into the Sustainable Development Goals.Mental illness is present globally, impacting approximately 10% of the adult population at any specific time.Melancholy stands as one of the major contributors to incapacity.Furthermore, self-slaughter is the second primary cause of demise among individuals between 15 and 29 years old.People afflicted by severe psychological conditions frequently pass away prematurely-up to two decades early-due to physical health problems that could otherwise be prevented.Despite certain global improvements, individuals with mental health conditions often endure serious breaches of human rights, prejudice, and social disapproval.