Pune: Mental health issues among youth, particularly concerning education, career, and relationships, have significantly risen in recent times. The most affected group appears to be individuals aged between 18 and 25, with a noticeable increase in students seeking help.

Experts highlight that stress, emotional struggles, and relationship issues at this age can lead to more severe mental health challenges if not addressed in a timely manner.

Calls to mental health helplines like those of the Muktaa Charitable Foundation reveal the depth of these concerns. In 2024, the foundation received 3,666 calls, with 58% coming from men and 37% from women.

A majority of the calls were from students, the unemployed, and IT professionals, indicating a growing trend among young people seeking help for issues related to stress, depression, and emotional instability. Dr. Rupa Agarwal, a representative from the foundation, emphasized that addressing these concerns early is crucial for mental well-being.

Similarly, Connecting Trust’s helpline received over 21,500 calls, and followed up with 6,558 individuals for emotional support. Sunita Madkaikar, CEO of Connecting Trust, urged that while physical wounds are visible, the emotional scars are not, calling for the importance of seeking mental health counseling.

Mental health experts attribute several factors contributing to the rise in mental health concerns, such as relationship problems, financial stress, career setbacks, and loneliness.

According to Dr. Shrikant Pawar, Assistant Professor at Maharashtra Mental Health Institute, the increased expectations among the younger generation, coupled with mobile addiction, are aggravating the situation, leading to higher levels of stress and reduced academic performance.

Several organizations, including Mukta Charitable Trust and Connecting Trust, are working to provide emotional support and counseling services to those in need, available through helplines and messages.

Helpline Calls (2024)

• Men: 2,102

• Women: 1,393

• Students: 1,060

• Unemployed: 617

• IT Professionals: 272