Youth grapple with rising mental health challenges

Mental health among Himachal’s young population has emerged as a growing concern, with alarming figures coming to light from a 2024 survey by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) in collaboration with the Himachal Pradesh government. The study, conducted across the state, including its largest district, Kangra, revealed that 15.54 per cent of adolescents and young adults reported suffering from excessive anxiety, while 6.9 per cent were found to be battling depression.

As the world observes World Mental Health Day today, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has chosen the theme “Access to services — Mental health in catastrophes and emergencies”. Against this backdrop, experts emphasise that mental health care must move from the margins to the mainstream, especially in rural and semi-urban India.

Dr Sumit Singh, a noted psychiatrist and mental health advocate working across the Punjab-Himachal border areas, highlights an unsettling reality: “People, especially in rural regions, often fail to recognise the early symptoms of mental illness. Instead of seeking medical help, many turn to faith healers, which delays treatment and worsens their condition,” he told The Tribune.

According to Dr Singh, prolonged stress, socio-demographic pressures and chronic physical illnesses are key factors contributing to mental health disorders. He warns that symptoms such as insomnia, irritability, loss of appetite, restlessness and persistent sadness should never be ignored. “These are warning signs, the mind’s way of asking for help,” he said, urging individuals to seek professional care promptly. He further stressed that mental and physical health are inseparable, noting that no one can achieve true wellness without addressing psychological well-being. Encouragingly, Dr Singh reminds that conditions like depression, anxiety and psychosomatic disorders are treatable and curable, provided patients adhere to prescribed medications and maintain regular follow-ups.

Yet, the most formidable challenge remains the stigma surrounding mental illness. Deep-rooted beliefs often keep people silent, ashamed, or hesitant to reach out for help. “It’s time we break this silence,” Dr Singh asserts. “Timely medical intervention can save lives, far more effectively than superstition or denial ever could.”

On this World Mental Health Day, his message is simple yet powerful: Awareness, acceptance and access to care must become the pillars of a mentally healthy Himachal — and a stronger, more compassionate society.