What percentage of mental disorders affect young Indians?

Nearly 60 percent of mental disorders in India are diagnosed in individuals below the age of 35.

What are the main drivers of India's youth mental health crisis?

Key drivers include a lack of awareness about timely treatment, the excessive use of digital devices, and intensified stress from factors like the Covid-19 pandemic and economic uncertainty.

Why is early intervention crucial for mental disorders in young people?

Mental disorders that begin in youth often follow a lifelong course if not treated early, leading to long-term disability and high social and economic costs.

Home / Health / India's Youth Face Mental Health Crisis Early

India's Youth Face Mental Health Crisis Early

28 Jan

•

Summary

Sixty percent of mental disorders affect Indians under 35.
Lack of timely treatment awareness fuels the crisis.
Digital device overuse exacerbates mental health issues.

India's Youth Face Mental Health Crisis Early

Mental health experts are sounding the alarm about a growing crisis affecting young adults in India, with a staggering 60% of mental disorders diagnosed in individuals under the age of 35. This early onset is particularly concerning as these are formative years for education and career development. The stresses brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, coupled with economic uncertainties and evolving social dynamics, have significantly increased symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression among this age group.

Compounding these challenges is a pervasive lack of awareness regarding the importance of timely treatment. Health professionals emphasize that many mental disorders can be successfully treated, allowing individuals to lead normal lives, provided they seek help promptly. The excessive use of digital devices and increasing reliance on virtual interactions are also identified as significant contributors to the escalating mental health issues.