Context: Recent tragedies involving young professionals, including a 26-year-old woman executive and a 38-year-old software engineer, have spotlighted a growing mental health crisis in India, exacerbated by immense work pressures and societal expectations. These incidents highlight the disconnect between perceived success and actual mental well-being, prompting urgent discussions on the state of mental health in a rapidly developing nation.

Aspects associated with the article

• Economic growth :

• It has opened new opportunities at the same time contributed to societal pressure, especially in urban areas. Material success is not delivering true well-being.

• Philosophy : 

• Existential questions like “Who am I ??” “What is the purpose of my life ?” ignored over material, productivity pursuit.

• Eudaimonia: Aristotle’s philosophy explains how the state of well-being is achieved through living a virtuous life.

• Urbanisation:

• Societal pressure, severe competition, and financial instability cause mental health crises.Isolation, social comparison and inadequacy of material wealth, escalating mental issues.

• Ex: The National Mental Health Survey (2015-16) found that the prevalence of mental health disorders is higher in urban areas (14.5%) compared to rural areas (10.8%).

• Distorted work-life balance :

• For example, the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments (amendment) Bill 2024 permits employees to work more than 12 hours a day.

• Collective action, and community as solutions:

• According to studies Strong social connections, supportive communities and meaningful work are key to mental health

• Ex: In Brazil, Community gardens have helped residents to achieve a sense of belongingness and shared responsibilities.

• Consumer choice and mental health :

• Many people believe in the ability to buy more things as success. This notion of material wealth over deeper values like equality and mindfulness creates trouble in the long run.

• When happiness is associated with buying power, feeling of inadequacy brings mental health issues like stress and anxiety.

Other factors responsible for rising mental health issues in India :

• Stress at the workplace: A survey by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) found that 42.5% of employees in the private sector suffer from depression or general anxiety disorder.

• Lack of Awareness: The stigma around mental health remains a significant barrier. Live Love Laugh Foundation study found that 47% of Indians believe that people with mental health disorders should be avoided.

The Rising Mental Health Crisis

• Surge in Disorders: India is witnessing an alarming rise in mental health disorders, with over 197 million people affected by conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, as reported by The Lancet Psychiatry Commission.

• Impact of Economic Growth: While economic expansion has generated opportunities, it has also intensified societal pressures, driving individuals towards relentless productivity and material wealth at the expense of mental well-being.

• Existential Questions Ignored: Traditional inquiries about identity and purpose have been overshadowed by consumerism, resulting in a society where the pursuit of material success leads to a profound sense of purposelessness and emotional distress.

The Role of Consumerism

• Disconnect from Community: The focus on consumerism fosters a culture where luxury and material possessions define status, leading to feelings of inadequacy and social comparison, particularly in urban areas.

• Temporary Comfort vs. True Well-being: Material wealth may provide temporary relief, but it fails to address deeper emotional needs, causing individuals to feel isolated despite their achievements.

• Cycle of Dissatisfaction: The relentless pursuit of affluence traps individuals in a cycle of dissatisfaction, where personal success is measured by consumption rather than meaningful relationships or self-awareness.

Solutions and Community Focus

• Shift to Collective Well-being: Addressing the mental health crisis requires a shift from individual success to collective well-being, emphasizing the importance of strong social connections and supportive communities.

• Lessons from Other Countries: Initiatives like community gardens in Brazil exemplify how fostering social bonds can combat urban isolation, suggesting similar approaches could benefit Indian communities.

• Rethinking Freedom: Prioritizing community and connection over material consumption can cultivate a healthier society, where well-being is assessed by relationships and shared experiences rather than purchasing power.