India’s Youth Face Three Times More Mental Stress Than Elderly: Global Report Flags Lifestyle and Tech as Key Triggers

New Delhi: A growing mental health divide is emerging in India, with young people experiencing significantly higher levels of stress and psychological distress compared to older generations.

According to the Global Mind Health 2025 report released by Sapien Labs, Indian youth are nearly three times more mentally distressed than senior citizens — a trend that mirrors a worrying global pattern.

The Washington-based research organization Sapien Labs surveyed over one million participants across 85 countries to assess mental well-being using its Mental Health Quotient (MHQ), a composite index that evaluates 47 different aspects of cognitive and emotional functioning.

Stark Generational Divide in India

The findings reveal a dramatic contrast between age groups in India:

• Youth (18–34 years): Average MHQ score of 33
• Elderly (55+ years): Average MHQ score of 96

While India ranks 60th globally for youth mental health, seniors fare relatively better at 49th position. The global average MHQ score for young adults stands at 63 — nearly double that of Indian youth.

This gap highlights a profound generational shift in emotional resilience and psychological stability.

Why Are Young Indians Struggling?

1. Junk Food and Ultra-Processed Diets

A major contributing factor appears to be dietary habits. The report notes that 44% of Indian youth rely heavily on junk and packaged foods, compared to just 11% among older adults.

Ultra-processed foods, high in refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and additives, are increasingly being linked to inflammation, gut microbiome imbalance, and cognitive decline.

Emerging research suggests that such diets may act as neurotoxins, negatively affecting mood regulation and emotional stability.

2. Early Smartphone Exposure

The average age at which Indian children first gain access to a smartphone is 16.5 years, though in urban areas this figure is often lower. Studies worldwide have associated early and excessive smartphone use with:

• Increased anxiety and depression
• Reduced attention span
• Sleep disturbances
• Social comparison and low self-esteem

Digital overstimulation, constant notifications, and social media pressure are creating a mental environment of perpetual distraction and comparison.

3. Weakening Family Bonds

India has traditionally been known for its strong family structures, offering emotional support and social stability. However, this safety net appears to be weakening.

• 64% of youth report feeling close to their families
• 78% of seniors report strong family closeness

India ranks 28th globally in family connectedness.

As nuclear families replace joint family systems and migration for education and employment increases, many young adults experience emotional isolation despite being digitally connected.

4. Rising Social Isolation

Ironically, while internet penetration has expanded communication, it has reduced meaningful real-world interaction. Excessive online engagement often replaces face-to-face conversations, weakening interpersonal skills and emotional grounding.

Mental health professionals note rising cases of:

• Chronic stress
• Anxiety disorders
• Sleep disorders
• Emotional burnout

A Global Crisis, Not Just India

The report makes it clear that India is not alone. Developed nations such as the United States and the United Kingdom show even more alarming trends.

• Dominican Republic: 91 (Best MHQ score)
• Tanzania: 88
• India: 33
• United Kingdom: -7 (Negative mental health territory)
• United States: Between 20–30

The fact that wealthy nations with high standards of living are also struggling indicates that economic prosperity alone does not guarantee psychological well-being.

Hyper-competitive lifestyles, social media pressure, individualistic cultures, and declining community bonds are contributing factors worldwide.

The Way Forward

Experts suggest a multi-pronged approach to reverse the trend:

• Promoting balanced nutrition and reducing ultra-processed food consumption
• Encouraging delayed and mindful digital exposure
• Strengthening family communication
• Introducing mental health education in schools
• Expanding access to affordable counseling services
• Promoting physical activity and outdoor engagement

India, with its deep-rooted traditions of community living, yoga, meditation, and mindfulness, possesses cultural tools that could be revitalized to support youth mental health.

The report ultimately sends a powerful message: technological progress and modernization must not come at the cost of emotional well-being. Without timely intervention, the psychological burden on the next generation could have long-term social and economic consequences.

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