Breaking the Silence: Addressing Mental Health in India's Youth

Last week, while traveling by flight, I met a young man, aged around 22–24, whose story left a deep impact on me. He was the first person from his village to pursue a master’s degree, having spent most of his life in campus hostels away from home. As we settled into our seats, he asked me about my profession. I shared that I work in Human Resources, and he asked if he could pose a few questions.

What followed was a meaningful conversation about his struggles and aspirations. He had been looking for a job for the past 18 months without success. Unfortunately, he had missed campus placement opportunities during his college days due to personal challenges back home. Currently, he’s working odd jobs to survive and battling depression—a burden he’s kept hidden from everyone.

He was candid about his mental health struggles, which had started to overshadow his career dreams. His questions reflected the confusion and despair of many young people today: "What should I do next? How can I overcome this phase?" His courage to speak up about his feelings, though rare, is a testament to the silent crisis that many in his generation face.

The Growing Mental Health Crisis

In India, mental health issues among young people are on the rise. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), one in seven adolescents in India suffers from mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Globally, suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds. Yet, the stigma around mental health prevents many from seeking help.

In India specifically, the National Mental Health Survey (2016) found that nearly 10% of the population suffers from mental health disorders, but 80% do not seek professional help due to stigma, lack of awareness, or limited access to resources.

Why Are Youth More Vulnerable?

Today’s younger generation faces unique challenges:

1. Unrealistic Expectations: Pressure to achieve academic and professional success often leads to stress and burnout.
2. Limited Support Systems: Many students, like the young man I met, live away from their families, making it difficult to share their struggles.
3. Social Media Influence: Constant comparisons and unrealistic portrayals of life on social platforms can worsen feelings of inadequacy.
4. Job Market Uncertainty: Difficulty in finding stable employment amplifies feelings of failure and hopelessness.

Addressing the Mental Health Crisis

To address this growing concern, we need a multi-faceted approach:

1. Breaking the Stigma: Mental health education should start early in schools and colleges to normalize seeking help. Institutions can organize awareness programs and provide access to counseling.
2. Access to Resources: Governments and organizations must ensure affordable and accessible mental health services, especially in rural areas where resources are scarce.
3. Building Support Networks: Families, friends, and employers must create safe spaces for open conversations about mental health. Checking in regularly with young people can make a significant difference.
4. Promoting Work-Life Balance: Companies should adopt policies that support mental well-being, access to employee assistance programs.
5. Leveraging Technology: Mental health apps and online counseling platforms can bridge the gap for those hesitant to seek face-to-face help.

A Collective Responsibility

The young man I met reminded me of the silent battles many in his generation fight daily. His openness in our conversation is a step forward, but the onus lies on society to ensure that no young person feels isolated in their struggles.

As we navigate this mental health crisis, let us remember that empathy, understanding, and action can pave the way for a healthier, happier generation. Addressing this issue is not just a personal or institutional responsibility—it’s a societal one.

Let’s start by listening. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to change a life.

What steps do you think we, as a society, can take to create a safe and supportive environment for young people to openly discuss their mental health struggles? Share your thoughts!

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Authored by: Santosh Kumar Dhanewar .

Disclaimer: The thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author, Santosh Kumar Dhanewar, and do not reflect the views or opinions of any organization or forum he is associated with. The author is solely responsible for the content and accuracy of this article.

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