Context: Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) V. Anantha Nageswaran raised concerns about the growing mental health crisis among India’s youth, emphasizing its impact on the nation’s demographic dividend.
Mental Health Crisis Among the Modern Generation
- Key Issues:
- Excessive screen time and sedentary lifestyles.
- High consumption of ultra-processed foods.
- Increased levels of anxiety, depression, and suicidal tendencies.
- Factors Contributing to the Crisis:
- Lack of awareness about mental well-being.
- Limited access to mental health resources.
- Societal stigma associated with seeking psychological help.
- Impact:
- Reduces productivity and focus among the youth.
- Hampers the potential of India’s demographic dividend.
- Leads to long-term societal and economic consequences.
Relevance in UPSC syllabus:
- General Studies Paper I: Social issues and cultural shifts impacting youth mental health.
- General Studies Paper II: Policies and institutional roles in addressing mental health challenges.
- General Studies Paper III: Mental health implications on productivity and economic development.
- Ethics Paper: Ethical responsibilities in tackling mental health issues.
