Mentor’s Comment:  In July, a 26-year-old executive from a multinational consulting firm ended her life due to immense work pressures, shedding light on a critical issue affecting millions of working Indians. In September, a 38-year-old software engineer in Chennai also took his life, battling depression caused by work-related stress. 

Despite outwardly successful careers, these tragic losses highlight India’s growing mental health crisis, where success is often tied to relentless productivity and material wealth. With over 197 million people suffering from mental health disorders, according to the Lancet Psychiatry Commission, India’s economic growth has increased societal pressures, neglecting mental well-being and fostering disconnection from community and self-awareness. In today’s editorial, we will dive more into the causes and impacts of Mental Health in Indian Society.

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Let’s learn!

Why in the News?

This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day (October 10) focuses on ‘prioritizing mental health in the workplace. India faces a mental health crisis driven by urban stress, financial instability, and intense competition.

What are the reasons behind the rising stress and anxiety?

• Mental Health Epidemic: India is facing a growing mental health crisis, with millions suffering from disorders like depression, anxiety, and stress.
• Pressures of Urban Living: Urban life, financial instability, and intense competition contribute significantly to rising stress.
• Material Success vs. Well-being: Despite material success, many people feel isolated and disconnected from their communities, leading to a sense of purposelessness.
• Consumerism and Social Comparison: In urban areas, consumerism fosters a culture where wealth and luxury goods define status, causing feelings of inadequacy and stress.
• Fear of Insignificance: As per Ernest Becker’s theory, much of human behavior is driven by the fear of impermanence. People chase material wealth for social validation, but this pursuit neglects self-awareness and deeper emotional needs.

Collective Action, Community as Solutions:

• Shifting focus to Collective Well-being: The emphasis needs to move from individual success to collective well-being. Strong social connections, supportive communities, and meaningful work are critical to mental health.
• Examples from other Countries: Initiatives like Brazil’s community gardens promote shared responsibilities, fostering a sense of belonging and combating isolation.
• Value of Community Living: Community living provides a sustainable alternative to individualistic consumerism by promoting shared responsibility and collective purpose, strengthening social support networks, reducing competition, and offering a sense of purpose.

Way forward: 

• Strengthen Community-Based Mental Health Programs: Focus on building strong social connections and support systems through community-based initiatives, promoting collective well-being over individual competition, and addressing isolation.
• Enhance Accessibility to Affordable Mental Health Services: Expand access to cost-effective, quality mental health care at the primary health care level, ensuring services are available to all, especially in underserved areas.