28/09/2025
Everywhere I go, I see one common truth - our young generation is struggling silently with stress, anxiety, and loneliness.
During my recent session at Meerut College, students openly shared the symptoms of anxiety and depression they have felt. Many admitted they were not sure if these were physical or psychological issues. We also discussed warning signs of su***de - a topic that made everyone pause.
Before this, I had conducted almost the same sessions at IIMT Group of Colleges, Vidyapeeth, Shri Venkateshwara University and several other schools and colleges. And every time, I found the same concerns repeated. This shows us that mental health challenges are real and growing, especially among women and young people.
What struck me most was the students’ curiosity. Even after the session ended, they gathered around, asking questions about their own mental health. This clearly shows how eager they are to understand and heal — but also how little guidance they currently receive.
From my 23 years in psychology, I have seen that most psychological problems have roots in childhood. Childhood is the fastest learning period: how we think, our self-talk, how we solve problems, and how we manage emotions - all of these patterns are formed early. Parents and environment are the biggest influences. When this foundation is weak, children grow up struggling with stress, loneliness, and self-doubt.
We can’t change everything overnight, but we can start with practical steps:
Parents’ orientation sessions & workshops - to equip parents with the tools of “right parenting.”
Emotional literacy in schools - teaching children how to recognise and manage emotions early.
Community support systems - so adults know how to listen, respond, and guide without judgement.
These may look like small actions, but if we start early, we can prevent so many mental health struggles later.
This generation is ready to ask questions and learn. Now it is on us — parents, teachers, professionals, and communities - to give them the right answers and support.
👉 What do you think? How else can we create a healthier environment for our children? Share your thoughts in the comment box.