India's youth rank 60th globally in mental well-being: Sapien Labs report

A comprehensive global report, the Global Mind Health 2025, by Sapien Labs, has shed light on the concerning state of mental well-being among India's youth, placing them at a global rank of 60th out of 84 countries. The study, which surveyed over 78,000 internet-enabled individuals in India and over a million globally, found that Indian adults aged 18-34 have a Mind Health Quotient (MHQ) of 33. This score is significantly lower than that of older Indians (aged 55 and above), who achieved an MHQ of 96 and a global rank of 49th. This stark generational divide suggests a fundamental shift in the mental functioning of younger generations. The report's founder and chief scientist, Tara Thiagarajan, emphasizes that this is not merely an increase in anxiety or depression diagnoses but a decline in core mental capabilities, such as emotional regulation, focus, relationship building, and stress resilience. The study posits that this decline is a multi-year, structural generational shift rather than a temporary post-pandemic effect [2, 4, 22]. Several contributing factors have been identified for this decline. Early and extensive exposure to smartphones is cited as a significant influence, with India ranking 71st on first-time smartphone exposure, averaging 16.5 years [2]. Furthermore, the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has emerged as a critical factor. While overall UPF consumption in India is lower than in some Western nations, the generational gap is pronounced: 44% of Indian youth (18-34) regularly consume UPFs, a rate nearly four times higher than the 11% observed in the 55+ age group [3, 25, 26]. This dietary pattern is linked to diminished emotional and cognitive functioning, with researchers estimating that frequent UPF consumption could account for 15-30% of the overall mental health burden among young adults [3, 24]. Beyond diet and technology, the report also highlights the erosion of traditional protective factors. Family closeness, a key element in mental well-being, shows a decline among younger generations in India; only 64% of those aged 18-34 report being close to their families, compared to 78% of those above 55 [2]. Spirituality is also noted as a factor with declining scores among younger age groups [26]. While India has historically been viewed as a protective society for mental health due to strong family ties and community life, the report suggests these protective buffers are weakening [22]. The findings indicate that India's young adults are struggling more than widely recognized, and while they may perform slightly better than some developed nations like Japan and the UK, they still fall within the bottom third of global rankings [22]. The implications of these findings are profound, especially for India, which is banking on its demographic dividend. A mentally resilient and cognitively capable youth population is crucial for national human capital and economic future [24]. The report compels a rethinking of UPFs not just as contributors to physical ailments but as potential drivers of declining cognitive and emotional resilience in the younger population [24, 26]. Other studies corroborate the rising mental health concerns among Indian youth. The National Mental Health Survey of India (NIMHANS, 2015) indicated that around 10% of the population suffers from mental disorders, with a significant number in the 15-29 age group [5]. More recent data suggests that over 15% of Indian youth face mental health challenges, and suicide is a leading cause of death for those aged 15-29 [6]. Experts also note that nearly 60% of mental health cases in India are reported among individuals aged 35 and below [8, 32, 37]. In contrast, older adults in India generally exhibit better mental well-being. While depression is prevalent among the elderly, with studies indicating around one-third suffering from it [33], their overall functional mental health scores are significantly higher than those of younger generations. The World Happiness Report 2024 also noted that in some regions, including North America, young people have lower levels of happiness than the elderly [16]. However, it's important to note that studies on older adults in India have found that factors like discrimination and living arrangements significantly impact their life satisfaction, despite their higher mental health quotient compared to the youth [35]. The Global Mind Health 2025 report serves as a critical wake-up call, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address the declining mental health of India's youth, focusing on dietary habits, responsible technology use, and strengthening social support systems.

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