Stigma, low awareness keep Indian adolescents from seeking mental health support: Study

As the education ministry reviews the draft National Mental Health and Well Being Policy for Schools, a new review study found that for many adolescents (10-19 years old) in India, seeking help for anxiety, depression, or emotional distress, remains far more difficult than it should be.

A new review led by The George Institute for Global Health finds academic pressures and competing school commitments were also commonly identified as constraints, restricting adolescents’ ability to engage consistently with healthcare services. It was analysed that school-based mental health initiatives are effective in increasing mental health literacy, decreasing stigma, improving coping skills, and increasing the likelihood of help-seeking.

While most mental health conditions first emerge during adolescence, stigma emerged as the most frequently reported barrier across the studies reviewed. Fear of being judged, labelled or treated differently often prevents adolescents from openly discussing emotional or psychological difficulties.

In Delhi, key barriers included lack of awareness, public stigma and financial constraints. In Panipat, a lack of knowledge about the harmful effects of alcoholism was identified as a major challenge.

The review also highlighted low mental health literacy as a significant concern, with many adolescents, parents and teachers struggling to recognise the signs of mental distress.

Published in SSM – Mental Health, the study synthesised findings from 26 studies conducted across India, including in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Bengaluru, Goa, Odisha, Bihar, Assam and Vijayawada. It is among the most comprehensive examinations of adolescent mental health help-seeking behaviour in the country to date.

Dr Sudha Kallakuri, Senior Research Fellow at The George Institute for Global Health India and lead author of the review, said, “Evidence shows that stigma, low mental health literacy, worries about privacy and frustration in accessing services deter many adolescents from seeking help. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts across schools, communities, families and health services.”

Professor Pallab Maulik, Director of Research at The George Institute for Global Health India and co-author of the review, said, “The findings highlight that improving adolescent mental health requires much more than expanding clinical services. Young people need trusted, accessible and youth-friendly support systems. Strengthening mental health literacy, reducing stigma, improving confidentiality within services, and building the capacity of teachers, lay counsellors and community-based workers can help bridge the large treatment gap that currently exists.”