In a recent global mental health study, young adults in India ranked 60th out of 84 nations in critical mental health metrics. The ‘Global Mind Health in 2025’ report, published by the US-based organization Sapien Labs, indicates that individuals aged 18 to 34 in India face significant challenges in mental well-being compared to their peers in other regions. This report underscores a pressing mental health crisis among this demographic, as older citizens exhibit notably better mental health scores.

The comprehensive study surveyed over 78,000 internet users across India and revealed that the young adult group received a low mind health quotient (MHQ) score of 33. In contrast, individuals aged 55 and older achieved an MHQ score of 96, demonstrating a level consistent with normal mental functioning and placing them at the 49th position among the surveyed countries. The findings expose a profound generational gap, which researchers argue is indicative of a multi-year decline in mental health among younger generations.

Tara Thiagarajan, founder and chief scientist at Sapien Labs, emphasised that the reduced scores among young adults illustrate a decline that has been more pronounced compared to their global peers. While older adults aged 55 and above appear to be coping well, the younger population is facing considerable difficulties. She noted that factors contributing to this decline include increased environmental stressors, lack of physical activity, and the broader mental health context that transcends common issues such as anxiety and depression.

The study identifies several core aspects of mental functioning that have deteriorated among young people, including emotion regulation, focus maintenance, relationship stability, and resilience to stress. Research conducted in prior years has unveiled four significant drivers of mental health: familial connections, spirituality, consumption of ultra-processed foods, and early exposure to smartphones. In the Indian context, 64% of respondents aged 18 to 34 reported feeling close to their families, while 78% of the older demographic reflected similar sentiments.

High Consumption of Ultra Processed Foods

Despite the lower figures compared to other countries, the consumption of ultra-processed foods is notably higher among young adults in India, with 44% reporting regular intake, in contrast to just 11% among the older generation. Additionally, the average age for acquiring a first smartphone stands at 16.5 years, a trend projected to drop further for Generation Alpha, potentially heightening mental health risks associated with early exposure.

The international findings reveal that young adults in developed nations struggle with mental health issues more severely than those in less developed countries. Notable low-ranking countries include Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, and China. Conversely, nations in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Tanzania, report better mental health outcomes. Countries like Finland, known for high rankings on global happiness scales, placed 28th for individuals aged 55 and above, and 40th for the 18 to 34 age group, suggesting that life satisfaction does not always correlate with mental competence.

The mind health quotient utilized in this study aggregates responses on 47 cognitive, emotional, social, and physical capabilities. This metric serves to gauge the fundamental mental capacities that either enhance or hinder one’s ability to function effectively in everyday life.

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