Exam stress, extreme heat, uncertain future: Why young people’s mental health is becoming a bigger concern

The new United Nations report, "Youth Mental Health and Well-Being in an Uncertain World: A Global Call to Action," highlights the increasing concern over young people's mental health. The report emphasizes that mental health is not solely an individual issue, but is also influenced by social, economic, and environmental factors.

The report suggests a "Youth Mental Health and Well-being Ecosystem Model," which suggests that a young person's mental health is shaped by more than just their immediate surroundings. Factors such as school, work, housing, family, friendships, climate, conflict, digital spaces, and wider community all contribute to mental health. This broader perspective acknowledges that pressures like safety, housing, food, and obstacles can create stress in a young person's life.

In India, approximately 7.3% of adolescents aged 13-17 have a mental disorder, with nearly 9.8 million young Indians needing active intervention. The pressures faced by these adolescents are not uniform, with 13.5% prevalence in urban metros compared to 6.9% in rural areas. The National Mental Health Survey conducted by NIMHANS also found that 80% of people affected by mental health conditions did not receive care after the onset of illness.

The report underscores the importance of addressing these wider social pressures, particularly for students and young workers exposed to extreme heat. A 2026 study in PLOS Global Public Health estimated that about one in four suicide deaths globally occurred in India, with 44% of these deaths occurring among people aged 15-29. This data highlights the need for a more holistic approach to mental health, focusing on prevention and addressing social, economic, and environmental conditions in which young people live.