MENTAL HEALTH GUARDRAILS FOR THE YOUNG

Economic Survey 2024 focused for the first time on the loss of productivity due to mental health issues in India.

- GEETHA RAVICHANDRAN

It is estimated that 10.6 percent of Indian adults are afflicted by mental disorders. The WHO estimates the country's economic losses due to mental health concerns would amount to $1.03 trillion for 2012-2030.

At such a time, the number of younger Indians facing mental health issues is on the rise. This can impact academic performance, social behaviour and induce a proclivity for addiction among students. William Wordsworth had written: "To be young was very heaven." The youth today would find it difficult to relate to such lines and would consider it far removed from the reality of the challenges faced by them.

The brutality of competition in higher education and the difficulties in finding suitable jobs only exacerbates stress levels and anxiety. Many meritorious students find that the dice is loaded against them due to the selection process. While exam reform will hopefully happen soon, the harsh realities of hyper-competition devolves on the youth, who are unsuccessful despite their abilities and hard work. The crackdown in the US on visas for higher education is a factor adding to the uncertainty of many Indian students. To move on from disappointing results requires resilience and grit, and professional counselling and guidance will help the process.