Screen time, vaping linked to growing mental health concerns in adolescents

Mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and sleep disorders, traditionally more common among adults aged 30 to 50 years, are increasingly being reported among adolescents as well.

According to officials, Civil Hospital, Jalandhar, records nearly 1,500 to 2,000 OPD patients in its psychiatry department every month, of whom around 60 to 70 per cent seek treatment for anxiety, sleep disorders and depression.

While such conditions were earlier seen predominantly among adults, doctors say there has been a noticeable rise in cases among teenagers over the past one to two years. The hospital is now reporting seven to 10 cases every month among children aged 12 to 16 years.

Dr Abhayraj Singh, Psychiatrist at Civil Hospital, Jalandhar, said the trend is increasingly linked to changing lifestyle patterns among adolescents including excessive screen time, sedentary habits, eating junk food, excessive vaping and in some cases, alcohol consumption.

He further noted that a growing misconception around vaping, often normalised through social media, is contributing to the problem. "Many teenagers perceive vaping as less harmful or merely a casual habit, which can encourage its use and mask the associated health risks," he said.

According to Dr Singh, anxiety and related mental health conditions in adolescents often develop gradually and may go unnoticed in the early stages. Common warning signs include irregular school attendance, declining academic performance, aloof behaviour, reduced communication, sudden changes in eating habits and withdrawal from family interactions.

He added that behavioural changes such as increased irritability, frequent conflicts with siblings, emotional distancing and difficulty regulating emotions can also indicate underlying mental health concerns.

Highlighting a major challenge, Dr Singh said parents often fail to recognise or acknowledge early symptoms, delaying timely intervention. As a result, many adolescents are brought for professional help only after their condition begins affecting academic performance, social interactions or behaviour significantly.

He emphasised that early identification and support are crucial and may involve psychological and psychiatric assessment, counselling, behavioural therapy and lifestyle modifications. These include reducing screen exposure, improving sleep patterns and encouraging regular physical activity. Medication is prescribed only when necessary and under professional supervision.

To improve access to mental healthcare, the government's Tele-MANAS mental health helpline (1800-891-4416) is providing round the clock support. The service connects individuals with trained mental health professionals for counselling, guidance and referrals to specialised care whenever required.