New Delhi, October 9, 2026: Nearly 70% of students in India are experiencing moderate to high levels of anxiety, with 60% showing signs of depression and over 70% reporting elevated distress, according to estimates cited by mental health professionals. Experts attribute these rising numbers to intense academic and professional competition, as well as the impact of early and heavy social media use among young Indians.
While awareness of mental health issues is increasing, access to affordable care remains limited. High therapy costs and fear of judgement continue to deter many young people from seeking formal help, even as terms like “anxiety,” “burnout,” and “boundaries” become more common in everyday conversation.
Social media and workplace pressures
Psychologists point to the dual pressures of competitive admissions, entry-level hiring, and the pervasive influence of smartphones. Dr. Pavitra Shankar, Associate Consultant, Psychiatry at Aakash Healthcare Superspecialty Hospital, noted that young people today face a heavier “invisible load” compared to previous generations, with constant exposure to curated lives on social media contributing to disrupted sleep, body image issues, and feelings of loneliness.
In the workplace, Gen Z professionals are challenging traditional expectations around long hours and achievement, sometimes leading to friction with senior colleagues. Dr. Minakshi Manchanda, Associate Director & Head – Psychiatry at Asian Hospital, said that requests for boundaries are often misinterpreted as laziness, when in fact they reflect an awareness of the risks of burnout.
Barriers to care and family attitudes
Many young Indians report that their families, while supportive, may dismiss their mental health concerns, leading them to hide distress behind humour or increased productivity. A cited survey found that 77% of respondents considered therapy expensive, and mental health professionals remain concentrated in major cities, leaving smaller towns underserved.
Dr. Santosh Chavan, Consultant – Mental Health at Jupiter Hospital, Pune, highlighted the gap between growing awareness and limited infrastructure. “A young person in a small town may understand exactly what they are feeling and still have no one nearby to turn to, or no money to pay for a session. Awareness without access can even deepen despair,” he said.
Recommendations from mental health experts
Experts recommend multi-level solutions, including encouraging families to listen before advising, and urging colleges and employers to treat counselling as essential infrastructure. Dr. Pavitra Shankar suggested families say “tell me more” before offering reassurance, while Dr. Minakshi Manchanda called for confidential, affordable, and accessible counselling services. Dr. Santosh Chavan advocated for more community-based and digital support options, as well as training teachers, managers, and peers to recognise warning signs such as withdrawal, sleep changes, or sudden drops in performance.
Small daily habits—such as prioritising sleep, limiting late-night social media use, and maintaining open friendships—were also highlighted as important steps. “Young Indians are not asking to be shielded from pressure; they only want to be heard, and to be able to afford help when they ask for it,” Dr. Pavitra Shankar added.
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