Mental Health Crisis in Classrooms: 7.3% of Adolescents in 12 States Suffer from Disorders, Centre Reveals

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By Health Desk | New Delhi

December 6, 2025

In a sobering revelation that underscores the silent epidemic facing India’s youth, the Union Government informed Parliament on Thursday that approximately 7.3 percent of adolescents aged 13 to 17 years in 12 states are currently suffering from mental health disorders.

The data, presented by Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav, draws from the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS), conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS). The findings have reignited the urgent national conversation on the psychological well-being of the “young adult” demographic, often overlooked in broader health policy discussions.

The Numbers: A Cause for Concern

According to the Minister’s statement in the Lok Sabha, the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity is equally distributed among boys and girls, dismantling the long-held myth that mental health issues predominantly affect one gender. However, a stark divide exists between urban and rural India. The data indicates that adolescents in urban metro areas are particularly vulnerable, with prevalence rates significantly higher than their rural counterparts—a trend experts attribute to the “pressure cooker” environment of city living, academic hyper-competition, and shrinking social support systems.

“The 7.3 percent figure represents nearly 9.8 million young lives if extrapolated,” said Dr. Aruna Desai, a senior child psychiatrist and former consultant with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), who was not involved in the government report. “While this number is alarming, we must understand it likely represents the tip of the iceberg. Stigma and a lack of awareness in 2015-16, when the baseline data was collected, meant many cases went unreported. The post-pandemic reality in 2025 is likely far more severe.”

Anxiety and Depression Lead the Charge

The survey highlights that anxiety disorders and depressive episodes are the most common afflictions among Indian teenagers.

Anxiety Disorders: Prevalence stands at approximately 3.6%.
Depression: Affects nearly 1% of the age group, though sub-clinical symptoms are believed to be much more widespread.

“Adolescence is a period of ‘storm and stress’,” explains Dr. Desai. “The brain is rewiring itself. When you add external stressors like board exam pressure, social media validation loops, and family expectations, vulnerable teens can easily slide from ‘moody’ to clinically depressed.”

Bridging the Gap: The Tele-MANAS Initiative

Acknowledging the severity of the issue, the Centre highlighted the aggressive expansion of the National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele-MANAS). Launched in October 2022, the 24/7 helpline has become a critical lifeline for students and young adults.

Minister Jadhav reported that the service has handled over 29.8 lakh calls since its inception. Currently, 53 Tele-MANAS cells are operational across 36 States and Union Territories, providing support in 20 regional languages.

“The anonymity of Tele-MANAS is its greatest strength for teenagers,” says Rakesh Gupta, a mental health policy analyst. “A 15-year-old might be terrified to walk into a school counselor’s office for fear of bullying, but they are comfortable chatting or talking on a phone. The fact that nearly 12.3 lakh calls were registered in the current year alone shows that young India is crying out for help, and they are finally finding a place to ask for it.”

The “12 States” Context

The data stems from a comprehensive study covering a representative mix of India’s diverse geography. While the Minister’s parliamentary reply focused on the aggregate, the NMHS originally surveyed states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Gujarat, among others.

Historically, states with higher literacy rates like Kerala often report higher detection rates, not necessarily because they are “sicker,” but because awareness leads to better reporting. In contrast, states with lower health infrastructure may show artificially low numbers due to a lack of diagnosis.

Implications for Public Health and Policy

The government’s disclosure comes with a renewed focus on inter-ministerial cooperation. The Ministry of Education’s Manodarpan initiative is being synchronized with health services to provide psychosocial support directly within educational institutions. Additionally, the University Grants Commission (UGC) issued guidelines in 2023 to institutionalize emotional well-being centers in colleges.

However, challenges remain. The “treatment gap”—the percentage of people who need care but don’t get it—remains high, estimated between 70% to 92% for various disorders.¹⁶

“We have the data, and we have the helplines. The next step is community integration,” urges Dr. Desai. “Parents need to stop viewing therapy as a sign of failure. Schools need to stop viewing mental health days as ‘excuses’. Until the culture changes, the statistics will continue to rise.”

Medical Disclaimer

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.