Mental Illness in Youths under age 35 in India: At the age when children are supposed to study diligently and make better careers, the youth of India are struggling with diseases. The most unfortunate thing is that 60 percent of mental illnesses are seen in youth below 35 years of age and once they are caught, if timely treatment is not received, it impacts their entire life. Experts associated with the Indian Psychiatric Society have expressed concern over this serious situation regarding mental health in India.
Health experts informed that about 60 percent of mental illnesses in India are being identified in people below 35 years of age. This means that mental illness is no longer limited to the elderly, but is increasingly affecting teenagers, youth and people of working age.
The mental health of youth is deteriorating by the age of 35.
According to experts, it is being seen that problems related to mental health are often starting at an early age. Usually their onset starts at the age of 19–20 years. According to many national and international researches, it is seen that 34.6% mental illnesses start before the age of 14 years. 48.4% diseases start before the age of 18 years while 62.5% diseases appear by the age of 25 years.
What is the impact of these diseases?
According to experts, these diseases have a long-term impact on studies, career, relationships and quality of life. By the age of 25, most cases of ADHD, anxiety and eating disorders occur. Now depression, drug addiction and behavioral problems have also started appearing at a younger age than before. If these diseases are not treated timely, they last for a long time and impose a heavy burden on the individual, family and society.
Is mental health deteriorating rapidly in India?
Dr. Deepak Raheja says that when 60 percent of mental illnesses are occurring in people below 35 years of age, it is clear that this problem is starting very early in India. This is the age when people study, make a career and contribute to the society. Therefore, it is very important to have mental health programs in schools and colleges, early identification and eliminating the fear associated with mental illness.
What are the reasons behind mental health?
Experts also expressed concern over the suicide figures. According to WHO, suicide has become the third leading cause of death among youth aged 15 to 29 years. The reasons behind this are pressure of studies, unemployment, loneliness, excessive use of mobile and social media, drug addiction and emotional stress etc.
What is the situation in India?
According to recent data, cases of mental stress among youth aged 18–25 years have increased by 101.7% between 2011 and 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic, economic uncertainty and social changes have further increased stress, anxiety and depression among youth.
How dangerous are digital devices?
Dr. Nimesh G Desai said that excessive use of digital devices and dependence on the virtual world will increase mental problems in the future. A major reason for the increase in cases in India is the lack of timely treatment information. If treatment is done in time, successful treatment of most mental illnesses is possible and patients can live a normal life.
How to get the youth out of this?
Dr. Savita Malhotra, President of the Indian Psychiatric Society, says that the pressure on today’s youth is more than ever. Due to rapid social changes, youth are struggling with intense competition, social media comparison, loneliness and insecurity regarding jobs and relationships. Mental health services need to be made easy, accessible and without fear for the youth.
What measures should be taken for prevention?
Dr. TSS Rao, President-Elect of the Society, says that if India has to take full advantage of the power of its young population, then mental health will have to be given priority. It is important to connect it with primary health services, schools, colleges, offices and communities. Spending on mental health is an investment in the future of the country. Otherwise the country will have to pay its price.
