28/02/2025
Mahatma Gandhi said
"Students are the hope for the future. It is from these young men and women that the future leaders of the nation are to rise."
India boasts of 253 million young people in the age bracket of 10 to 19 years. This accounts to 21% of our countries population, making India a country with the largest adolescent population in the world. The sheer volume that we see in terms of young people should make us spend time discussing and increasing awareness about the mental health issues being faced by the adolescent population in our country, our countries future depends on their well being.
Some of the key issues that can be highlighted are;
Anxiety and Depression: The prevalence of anxiety and depression among adolescents has increased significantly over the past decade. Social media, academic pressures, and body image concerns contribute to these rising rates.
Suicidal Ideation and Behavior: Su***de is the second leading cause of death among adolescents worldwide. The stigma surrounding mental health issues and the lack of accessible support services exacerbate this crisis.
Trauma and Stress: Many adolescents experience trauma, including bullying, physical or emotional abuse, and neglect. These experiences can lead to long-term mental health consequences, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Eating Disorders: The pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards and the fear of being judged can lead to eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.
Substance Abuse: Adolescents are vulnerable to substance abuse, including the misuse of prescription medications, illicit drugs, and alcohol.
Having said this I cannot stress enough that there is a lot more than can be done, whether it's through individuals or corporate or the government for this section of the population.
I spent a day at the Youth Mental Health Summit organised by Ms Neerja Birla alongwith the Mpower team. A lot of amazing people took time to share their expertise, experiences and learning with the attendees. A day well spent with a lot of takeaways for youth mental health. A big thanks to Mpower for this initiative.
We can all do our bit for young people. We can start with our homes by having healthy conversations around the dinner table. We can break the stigma and have candid conversations revolving around mental health with young people around us. We can promote inclusivity in our schools, colleges, educational institutions and work towards creating a safe and empathetic space for our young generation. Support groups for parents and educators to increase awareness of how to communicate and connect with this population. We can work towards providing a healthier environment for all.
