The Changing Face of Mental Health in India
Mental health awareness is evolving in India—with more people stepping forward in 2025 than ever before. From urban professionals to Gen Z students, Indians are breaking the stigma and seeking psychiatric help.
At The Hope and Care Clinic, Dr Sanjoy Roy is here to offer expert, compassionate support—whether you need therapy, medication, or guidance.
Several clear trends explain why this shift is happening now:
1. Increased Awareness & Stigma Reduction
- Since Bollywood star Deepika Padukone publicly shared her battle with depression in 2015, public discourse on mental health has significantly increased .
- By October 2023, 60–70 million Indians were reported to experience common mental disorders—but most still hesitate to seek help.
- However, Gen Z and millennials now lead the charge—posted-driven openness and an 80% rise in therapy seekers were noted by platforms like MindPeers.
2. The Impact of COVID-19
The pandemic didn’t just affect physical health—it struck emotional and mental wellness hard:
- Depression and anxiety worldwide increased by 25–28% during COVID-19
- In India, Tele-MANAS, launched in October 2022, received over 350,000 calls, offering mental health support across 32 states.
3. Men Are Speaking Up
- Urban Indian men are increasingly accessing psychiatric support.
From 2020–2024, helpline calls by men shot up by 126%, reaching over 8,000 calls in 2024 alone - Despite national male suicide rates being 14.2 per 100,000, stigma is giving way to action as more men open up about anxiety, relationships, and work-related stress.
4. Digital Tools & Telepsychiatry
- Mental health teleconsultations grew by 45% in the last two years; app downloads (Wysa, YourDOST) increased by 30% in 2023
- With 65% of India’s population in rural areas, online platforms have been vital in narrowing the mental health access gap.
5. Workplace Pressure and Burnout
- A recent Employee Health Report (2025) revealed that 20% of Indian employees are seeking mental health support, and one-fifth are considering quitting due to burnout.
- Early professional intervention is helping individuals manage stress before it worsens.
6. Gen Z Leads Mental Health Movement
- Sales of psychiatric medications rose approximately 9%, topping ₹11,774 crore; 85% of patients now are under 35.
- Over 50% of Indian youth report symptoms of depression or anxiety, often tied to academic and social pressure.
Why This Matters — And What You Can Do
These ongoing issues reflect a pivotal change:
- More help is wanted and expected: Digital tools and destigmatized dialogue have opened doors.
- Timely treatment prevents life-altering consequences like suicide or chronic mental illness.
- Individuals across age, gender, and geography are recognizing that they deserve mental wellness.
For residents in Barasat, Barrackpore, Madhyamgram The Hope and Care Clinic is here to offer expert, compassionate support—whether you need therapy, medication, or guidance.