By: Sadaket Ali Malik
India’s youth and adolescent population, constituting approximately 30% of its demographic, is a vibrant yet vulnerable segment. This group is a cornerstone of the nation’s future, yet the prevalence of mental health issues among them is a cause for concern. Research underscores alarming statistics: nearly 23.33% of school-going children experience psychiatric disorders, while the prevalence in community settings is 6.46%. The National Mental Health Survey 2016 further highlighted that 7.3% of adolescents suffer from mental illnesses, with anxiety disorders (3.6%) and depression-related conditions (0.8%) being significant contributors.
Globally, mental health challenges among children are equally concerning. Ten percent of children and adolescents are affected by mental health issues, with one in seven aged 10 to 19 years living with a mental disorder. The 2016 data showed that 52.9 million children under five had developmental disorders, with 95% of cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Regions like South Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific report the highest number of teenagers grappling with these challenges.
Despite these pressing statistics, a 2021 UNICEF-Gallup survey revealed a worrisome reluctance among Indian youth to seek help. Only 41% of individuals aged 15–24 believed it was helpful to seek support for mental health concerns. Barriers such as stigma, lack of trust in professionals, systemic inadequacies, and insufficient resources hinder timely intervention. Issues like privacy concerns, infrequent availability of counselors, lack of designated support spaces in schools, and high costs further exacerbate the problem.
These challenges have far-reaching implications. Adolescents with untreated mental health issues are more likely to struggle with academics, have low attendance, and underperform in school. Beyond academics, mental health problems impact emotional resilience, interpersonal relationships, and future career prospects, potentially limiting their ability to lead fulfilling lives.
Schools are uniquely positioned to address the mental health needs of students. They provide a structured environment where early intervention and consistent support can nurture psychological well-being. Recognizing this potential, the Ministry of Education launched the Manodarpan initiative in July 2020 as part of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
This comprehensive program aims to provide psychosocial support to students, teachers, and parents during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. The initiative features a toll-free helpline (8448440632) offering tele-counseling services. Regular interactive sessions, such as “Sahyog,” focus on promoting mental well-being among students from grades VI to XII. Additionally, webinars and discussions under the banner of “Paricharcha” create awareness about mental health challenges and provide coping strategies.
Manodarpan seeks to bridge the gap between home and school by fostering resilience, life skills, and a supportive learning environment. It encourages students to adapt to the “new normal” of online learning, manage academic stress, and build emotional strength.
To address adolescent mental health effectively, a collaborative approach involving parents, educators, policymakers, and society at large is essential. Evidence suggests that integrating mental health education into school curriculums can significantly promote positive mental health. This approach helps students develop critical skills such as emotional regulation, resilience, and empathy.
Parental involvement is equally crucial. Parents need to be educated about mental health issues and trained to provide a supportive home environment. Open communication, trust-building, and destigmatizing mental health concerns can empower children to seek help when needed.
Community programs and government policies should also focus on increasing accessibility to affordable mental health services. This includes recruiting trained counselors, improving infrastructure, and addressing systemic barriers like high costs and language constraints.
The mental health of adolescents and youth is a pressing national concern that demands urgent and sustained attention. Initiatives like Manodarpan, with their focus on psychosocial support, are significant steps in the right direction. However, more needs to be done. Schools must transform into inclusive environments where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to address their mental health challenges.
By fostering a culture of acceptance, equipping educators and parents with the right tools, and implementing evidence-based interventions, India can nurture a generation of resilient and emotionally healthy youth. This holistic approach will not only enhance individual well-being but also contribute to the nation’s progress, ensuring a brighter future for all.
