1 in 7 aged between 15-24 often feeling depressed in Covid-hit India: UNICEF Report

UNICEF launched a report titled 'The State of the World’s Children 2021; On My Mind: promoting, protecting and caring for children’s mental health' globally today. In India, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya released the UNICEF’s global flagship publication which details significant impact of Covid-19 pandemic on children’s mental health

New Delhi: Around 14 percent of 15 to 24-year-olds in India, or 1 in 7, reported often feeling depressed or having little interest in doing things after Covid-19 hit the country, according to a report released by the UNICEF today. The report titled 'The State of the World’s Children 2021; On My Mind: promoting, protecting and caring for children’s mental health' was launched globally today. In India, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya, released the UNICEF’s global flagship publication. The report details the significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on children’s mental health.

Describing the significance of the report which focuses on mental health, Mandaviya said, “Mental Health is both an old issue and an emerging issue. While our traditional systems of medicine thoroughly emphasize Holistic Health and complete well-being, Mental Health problems in developing countries like India have been on the rise.”

Giving an example of his own joint family from the rural-agricultural background, he explained that children and adolescents in these settings get a chance to interact with a wide number of other family members who they can open up to in times of emotional distress and seek guidance on matters which are at times avoided by parents. The culture of nuclear families has led to the increase in alienation and consequently rise in mental distress, he added.

Dr. Yasmin Ali Haque, UNICEF India Representative, who presented the key findings of the report, said that The State of the World’s Children 2021 has found that around 14 percent of 15 to 24-year-olds 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, but many are also at a higher risk of neglect and abuse,” she added.

The Union Health Minister highlighted that “Covid-19 was a test of mental stress for the entire society. He recounted his personal experience as the Pharmaceuticals Minister during the second surge of pandemic. “Production capacity of drugs had to be amplified and due official process to establish new plants had to be speeded up. Such work in the midst of a then unfolding human tragedy was very stressful.” Yoga, deep breathing, and cycling helped him to overcome the stress, he added.

The minister acknowledged that it is very vital to address mental health as an important aspect for creating a healthy society. He noted that 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.

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan noted that Mental Health and Physical Health are two sides of the same coin. He underscored the prevalence of social stigma associated with mental health issues. He also highlighted the lack of full-time student counsellors in several reputed schools.

Vishal Chouhan, Jt. Secretary-Policy (Health), Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), and other Ministry and UNICEF officials were also present at the event.