Mental health issues in developing countries like India have been on the rise, noted Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday while releasing the UNICEF ’s global flagship publication: “The State of the World’s Children 2021; On My Mind: promoting, protecting and caring for children’s mental health”.
The report was launched globally, and in the survey across 21 countries, only 41% of young people in India said it is good to seek support for mental health problems, compared to an average of 83% across all countries surveyed.
“Children and young people in India could feel the impact of COVID-19 on their mental health and well-being for many years to come,” noted UNICEF its report.
Social stress test
Speaking on the occasion the Union Health Minister said COVID-19 was a test of mental stress for the entire society.
“It is very vital to address mental health as an important aspect for creating a healthy society and teachers are very important stakeholders for addressing mental health issues along with parents and family. Family and teachers should have open consultation with children from a position of mutual trust and respect,” said the Minister.
Presenting the key findings of the report, Dr. Yasmin Ali Haque, UNICEF India Representative, said the survey found that around14% of those aged 15 to 24 in India, or 1 in 7 reported often feeling depressed or having little interest in doing things.
“Children have not only been living an emotional tragedy, many are also at a higher risk of neglect and abuse,” she added.
The report notes that there is wide concern about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health.
“Research indicates some increases in stress and anxiety among children and adolescents. The mental health of caregivers, especially young mothers, is also a concern,” states the report.
