The Mpower report released at the just concluded ‘The Mpowering Minds Summit 2025’ in Mumbai highlights rising mental health challenges among youth, with 50% of conditions emerging by age 14 and insufficient early intervention.
Key findings include: 38% of students face academic anxiety, 50% report declining performance, 41% experience social isolation, and 47% struggle with sleep issues, disproportionately affecting female students. Alarmingly, 9% face severe sleep difficulties, 8.7% have contemplated suicide due to academic pressure, and only 2% seek professional help. The study also reveals a strong link between loneliness and sleep disturbances (35% correlation) and stress (47% correlation), emphasizing the urgent need for systemic mental health reforms.
Dr. Shyam Bishen, Head, Centre for Health & Healthcare, World Economic Forum, who also addressed the event said, “Mental health transcends healthcare—it is a basic human right and a cornerstone of social and economic wellbeing. At The World Economic Forum, we foster a transformational vision: seeding mental wellness into public health and economic policy through global multi-stakeholder partnerships. From grooming children and youth, to spearheading wellbeing at workplaces, mental health must be the foundation at every level of society.”
At the same event, Neerja Birla, Founder & Chairperson, Aditya Birla Education Trust announced the establishment of the Global Mental Health Consortium, a collaborative initiative with a vision to drive systemic change in the mental health landscape in India. Focusing on policy transformation, early intervention models, and cross-sector capacity building, the initiative aims to ensure that mental health is prioritized as an essential pillar of public health and societal development. She stated: “Our vision for Viksit Bharat 2047 is to cultivate a resilient, productive, and happy youth who will drive India’s progress. As a catalyst for change, Unveiling the Silent Struggle is our research report highlights the urgent need to address youth mental health challenges, driving to reduce suicide rates as a collective responsibility. Establishing the Global Mental Health Consortium further reinforces this commitment, ensuring long-term impact in the mental health space.”
Dr. Blaise Aguirre, Founding Medical Director, 3East McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School in his talk said: “Globally, adolescent mental health is in a state of crisis. Here in India solutions to the worsening mental health of her vast youth population, are hindered by stigma and systemic gaps. The Mpowering Minds Summit is a critical and welcome first step toward ensuring timely support to minimize tragic outcomes. The time for action is now.”
Dr. Shekhar Seshadri, Former Professor, NIMHANS added today’s youth face challenges that require early intervention from educators, parents, and policymakers. Strengthening response systems and fostering collaboration can prevent severe crises and ensure every young person receives support.
