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60% of India's Mental Disorders Hit Under-35s, Warn Experts at Conference

Health experts at a national psychiatric conference revealed that nearly 60% of mental disorders in India are diagnosed in individuals below the age of 35. They identified excessive digital device use, the Covid-19 pandemic, economic uncertainty, and changing social structures as key drivers. The specialists stressed that a lack of awareness about timely treatment is a major barrier, as early intervention can lead to successful outcomes. They called for a shift to preventive models and more accessible, youth-friendly mental health services to address this growing crisis.

Key Points: Mental Health Crisis Hits Young Indians: 60% Under 35 Affected

  • 60% of mental disorders in India affect under-35s
  • Digital device overuse fuels future mental health issues
  • Pandemic, economic stress intensified anxiety in youth
  • Early intervention and awareness are critical for treatment
2 min read

Awareness gap fuelling mental health disorders in young Indian adults: Experts

Experts warn 60% of India's mental disorders are in under-35s, driven by digital overuse, pandemic stress, and lack of awareness on timely treatment.

"When 60 per cent of mental disorders are affecting people below 35 years of age, it becomes clear that India's mental health crisis is unfolding far earlier than we once believed. - Dr. Deepak Raheja"

New Delhi, Jan 28

Lack of awareness on timely treatment is fuelling mental health disorders in young Indian adults, said health experts on Wednesday.

Speaking at the 77th Annual National Conference of the Indian Psychiatric Society (ANCIPS 2026), leading mental health experts noted that the excess use of digital devices may further drive mental disorders.

The high-level scientific deliberations revealed that nearly 60 per cent of mental disorders in India are diagnosed in individuals below the age of 35.

They pointed out that the Covid-19 pandemic, combined with economic uncertainty and changing social structures, has further intensified stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in this age group.

"When 60 per cent of mental disorders are affecting people below 35 years of age, it becomes clear that India's mental health crisis is unfolding far earlier than we once believed. These are the years when individuals are studying, building careers, and contributing to society," said Dr. Deepak Raheja, Organising Secretary of ANCIPS Delhi.

"Excess use of digital devices and dependency on the virtual world will further increase mental issues in the future. One of the main reasons for the rising cases in India is a lack of awareness of timely treatment. If reported on time, almost all the mental disorders can be treated successfully, and patients can lead a normal life," added Dr. Nimesh G. Desai, former Director of the Institute of Human Behaviour & Allied Sciences (IHBAS).

Desai emphasised that mental disorders that begin in youth often follow a lifelong course if not treated early.

"These impact not just the individual, but families, workplaces, and the country's overall productivity. Psychiatry in India must move from a reactive approach to a preventive and early-intervention-driven model," he said.

The experts cautioned that when mental disorders begin early and remain untreated, they often become chronic, leading to long-term disability and high social and economic costs.

"Rapid social change has significantly altered young people's lived experiences. Today's youth are dealing with intense academic competition, constant digital comparison, loneliness despite connectivity, and uncertainty about employment and relationships. Mental health services must adapt to these realities and become more accessible, youth-friendly, and stigma-free," said Dr Savita Malhotra, President of the Indian Psychiatric Society.

Raheja said that early identification, school- and college-based mental health programmes, and destigmatisation are no longer optional; they are essential if we want to protect the future of our nation.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
The digital device point hits hard. We're all glued to our phones, comparing our lives to curated reels. It creates this constant anxiety of not being good enough. Schools should really have mandatory digital wellness sessions.
R
Rohit P
While awareness is key, I wish the article talked more about affordable solutions. Therapy is so expensive in metros. What about tier-2 and tier-3 cities? We need more government-run clinics with trained counselors.
S
Sarah B
Working with an NGO here, I see this daily. The stigma is the biggest barrier. Parents often say "it's just a phase" or "be strong." Changing that mindset is the first step towards early intervention.
V
Vikram M
Absolutely correct. The competition today is cut-throat. From nursery admissions to campus placements, it's a race. We're raising a generation that's taught to succeed but not how to cope with failure or stress. Family support systems are also weakening.
K
Kavya N
Good that experts are speaking up. But awareness alone won't help. Our education system needs a complete overhaul. Less rote learning, more life skills, emotional intelligence, and yes, accessible counseling in every college and university.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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