A global research report called the Global Mind Health Report 2025 has revealed an alarming finding about Indian youth: they are ranked 60th out of 84 countries about their mental health. Researchers believe this ranking reflects something much deeper than just being burnt out following the pandemic. It suggests that there has been a long-lasting shift in mental health among young Adults aged 18 – 34 years old in India, and what will determine how this affects the overall mental health of the future working-age population and overall society as well.
A Stark Generational Divide
The report shows one of the most alarming things: that the generational gap is increasing. The capacity for people to show strong emotional resilience has remained strong among Indian adults who are 55 years of age and older, as demonstrated by the number of points given to this group on the Mind Health Quotient (average of 96). In contrast, younger adults (age 18-24) were given an average Mind Health Quotient score of only 33.
This marked difference represents a significant shift in the mental baseline of an entire generation. The difference between these two points indicates that the youth of today will be faced with a very different set of emotional landscapes from what previous generations of adults have faced.
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The Drivers Behind the Decline
The combination of factors such as lifestyle choices and the growing use of technology in today’s society are contributing to these issues. The report notes that most Indian youth receive their first smartphone between ages 16 and 17, which further reinforces this connection between the early use of mobile devices and socialisation/development problems among youth.
When it comes to diet, many young people frequently eat ultra-processed foods (44% reportedly), which are quick and convenient; however, research highlights the potential negative cognitive effects related to this type of food consumption.
Although family relationships remain strong overall in India, they continue to decline (64% connection rate among youth vs. 78% for older generations), leading to a potentially serious long-term emotional impact.
Declining Core Mental Functions
In addition to tracking changes in daily habits, the report identifies declining levels of attention and relationship stability, as well as decreased ability to recover from stress. These are key abilities that affect both one’s daily life and future well-being. If any of these abilities become less capable, it can impact an individual’s productivity, personal relationships, and, ultimately, their participation in civic affairs.
A Global Pattern, Not Just India
Additionally, the results suggest that common assumptions about prosperity and happiness among young adults in developed countries versus young adults in some developing countries can be misleading. Young adults living in an industrialised nation (like the UK, Japan, or Taiwan) frequently rate their overall well-being lower than their counterparts living in developing nations. Higher use of technology may not meet our basic psychological needs as human beings and create a disconnection from our physical environment.
What It Means Going Forward
The report provides a caution but not an assurance. There was no inevitability implied, but the potential outcome of failing to act is that the demographic dividend will be unwound. The need to address nutrition, screen time and social connection could be instrumental to reversing the current trend.
The data can also serve as a strong reminder. The emotional well-being of a generation should urgently be addressed, despite the economic growth and technological advancement of the same generation.
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