UNICEF Mental Health Survey: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, mental health issues amongst the young people in India seems to be on a rise. Even with rising cases of depression, only 41 percent in India feel that it is good to get support for mental health as per UNICEF's publication titled " The State of the World’s Children 2021; On My Mind: promoting, protecting and caring for children’s mental health."
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The UNICEF report highlights that not all children are affected the same. According to the report, children and adolescents from disadvantaged families are affected the most. The pre-existing mental health conditions and a history of adverse childhood experiences also add to the effect. The survey was conducted along with Gallop in 2021 with 20,000 children and adults across 21 countries.
The report mentions India is the only country where a minority of young people felt that people experiencing mental health issues should reach out at all.
Restricted movement, increase in stress and anxiety, school and college closures, the impact of digital technologies and screen time on young minds have raised concerns over the mental health issues between the age group of 15 to 24 -year-olds.
According to the report, which is previewed in The State of the World's Children 2021, at least 14 percent or 1 in 7 of the young people (from the mentioned age group) in India reported feeling depressed or having little interest in doing things.
Globally, over 13 percent of adolescents aged between 10 to 19 years living with a diagnosed mental health disorder. Out of 40 percent of these diagnosed mental health disorders, anxiety and depression cases occupy a major space.
Other disorders included are attention deficit, eating disorders, autism, schizophrenia, personality disorder, hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder and an eating disorder.
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The role of family support and parenting to minimise the risks of mental health issues is mentioned in a report which was released by Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
In a clear distinction, the survey shows that responses in terms of mental health state amidst boys and girls are different. While boys resort to substance abuse, girls are at a greater risk of depressive symptoms, anxiety and behavioural issues.
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