mental illness record in india
60% Of Mental Illness Patients In India Are Under 35 ! Mental health problems were once considered a problem of the elderly, but now the situation has completely changed. You will be surprised to know that most mental illness patients in India are under 35 years of age. Simply put, young people are now experiencing more mental problems and are becoming patients at a younger age. These shocking facts were revealed at the National Conference of the Indian Psychiatric Society. According to statistics, approximately 60 percent of mental patients in the country are under 35 years of age. Experts have warned that a mental health crisis has arisen in the country, and its worst effects are being felt by young people. There is a fear that the situation may become even more dire in the future.
TOI’sReportAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mental illness used to begin after the age of 40-50, but now its symptoms are appearing on average at the age of 19 to 20. Anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and behavioral disorders are affecting precious moments in the lives of young people. This trend is considered most worrying for young people just beginning their education and careers. Experts believe that due to increased awareness about mental health, more young people are now coming forward for treatment. This is a positive change, but problems are also increasing rapidly.
Experts have identified five major reasons for the rise in mental illness among youth. Excessive academic pressure, job uncertainty, constant exposure to digital screens, loneliness, and increasing drug addiction are contributing to mental health problems among young people. The 60 percent figure isn’t based on a single study, but rather on an analysis of Indian and international research. Scientists cited a large meta-analysis published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry in 2021, which examined data from 700,000 people. It found that most mental illnesses appear by the age of 25.
Dr. Nimesh Desai, former director of the Institute of Human Behavior and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), warned that these problems can become lifelong burdens if not treated promptly. Most mental illnesses are easily manageable in the early stages, but delays can lead to chronic illness. Therefore, it’s crucial to seek help as soon as symptoms appear. Academic competition, digital overexposure, and rapid social change are altering the mental needs of young people. The risk of suicide has increased among young people aged 18 to 25, and economic uncertainty combined with COVID-19 has exacerbated the situation. Currently, 70 to 80 percent of mental illnesses are not receiving timely treatment, posing a serious threat to the Indian population.
