Are younger generations truly destigmatizing mental health?

Mental health was once taboo. In many homes, it still can be. But today, scroll past the feed of any Gen Z netizen and you will see it: Therapy memes. Self-care rituals. A whole Instagram carousel on burnout.

- JEEL GANDHI

The narrative has shifted significantly, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. What used to be shameful is now a scrollable conversation. Gen Z opened the conversational gates that the previous generations could not. Mental health has become a part of their identity. From music and memes to how they choose jobs, relationships, and even brands.

But here's the real picture: India's digital mental health market is at $1.15 billion. Yet, over 85 per cent of the need is still unmet. We just have 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people. Nearly 197 million Indians are affected, but the majority of them are still undiagnosed.

So, are we confusing visibility and conversation with understanding? How did we get here?

Millennials walked so Gen Z could talk

Millennials were the first to question hustle culture. While they got their foot in the door, mental health was a personal journey rather than a public conversation.

However, Gen Z kicked the door wide open. They made being expressive and aware a new normal. Reels, memes, and TikToks became the avenue to shatter the stigma. Terms like 'gaslighting, 'boundaries,' and 'burnout' are part of the lingo.

For better or for worse, these digital natives converted therapy-speak into a trend.

Why this transition from 'Conceal' to 'Heal' matters

Gen Z normalising mental health brought a real impact. It created a space for permission. Permission to struggle without hiding. Permission to ask for help without being apologetic.

Struggles became a relatable phenomenon. It was not embarrassing to bare your heart anymore. That shift, when somebody felt seen, mattered. When their experiences were reflected back, they felt less alone.