Sayantani cautions that scrolling reels at 2:45 a.m., Diya embodies the silent storm: one in seven Indian youth battle overlooked anxiety and guilt, an exclusive for Different Truths.
Diya was half seated in her bed with her mobile phone. It’s 2:45 a.m., and she was scrolling another self-care reel on her social media – half smiling and half breaking inside.
A sudden reminder buzzes: ‘Project submission deadline tomorrow.’
Her heart races, and she shuts her eyes forcefully. She realised she had not slept for weeks, only passing out between work and scrolling reels. An unknown anxiety and guilt shadowed her existence from that very moment.
Diya is not the only one.
According to the National Mental Health Survey, one out of seven Indian youth has a mental illness. Over half of the population is under the age of 25, and they suffer from chronic anxiety and depression-related issues.
The number of this ‘silent epidemic’ is more than statistics.
These statistics are not just numbers; they represent the profound internal battles of the young generation, often overlooked or dismissed.
Why is the Storm Silent?
Traditional pressures, such as academic and career expectations, reign supreme, with fierce competition for limited seats in colleges and universities or in the job market. The fear of failure and societal expectations cast a daunting shadow.
Rapid changes in the digital and social spheres, driven by urbanisation and shifting family dynamics, add new stressors to youths’ lives—fear of missing out, comparisons of online presence, and disruptions to traditional supports.
The stigma surrounding mental health issues persists, and the shortage of mental health professionals is a critical issue. Many young people don’t seek help simply because they don’t know where to turn. The rapid digital and social changes, coupled with various forms of urbanisation, have created a stressful environment.
Many young people feel pressured to compete on social media out of fear of missing out. Additionally, there is a significant issue regarding the lack of awareness about overcoming stigma and the importance of accessing mental health professionals on time.
Consequences When This Storm is Left Unchecked
It is utterly painful to find out that younger citizens go through the highest share of anxiety- and depression-related cases.
The most unwanted cases, like suicide risks, emerge from depression, creating larger global disabilities. Unaddressed mental problems like basic anxiety or depression can lead to more severe issues and hamper academic or social growth.
Fear of relationship breakdown and life derailment arises from this taboo of not seeking treatment.
But this is not the end of the tunnel; there is a turning point in the story….
The Easy Way Outs
Persistent restlessness, a feeling like nothing matters, has proven a direct link to higher and more complex mental disorders. Sleep deprivation, digital fatigue, and career uncertainty bring a sense of a lack of purpose and manifest emotional distress.
Yet there are some practical, lesser-known strategies the Indian family can adopt for a change.
No Screen-Time Hour
From a very young age, if the child practices screen-time liberation, like from 9 to 10 pm, any gadgets should be restricted, and they should read funny or comic stories.
Practice manifesting by writing in a journal with the sentence starting, “Why I am grateful for today…”
Or talking to a friend or family member about something not about school, studies, or career can break the loop of excess social comparison.
Skill-Developing Micro-Moments
Spending 15 minutes every day learning something new and out of the box.
Trying a chord on the ukulele, remembering the steps for a favourite recipe, or playing something you never thought you could play can encourage youth to regain self-control and lower anxiety levels.
Could you talk it out?
Create a triangle of people (parents, siblings, or friends) and talk about the weekly check-in by sharing details about likes and dislikes.
Breaking the silence is extremely important to create a healthy balance of mind and soul.
Rising to Sound Awakening from The Silent Storm
Some young people do not have anyone who will listen to them. This silence can lead to a wave of suffering. It’s important to express and hear the words, “I am not okay.” When you say, “That’s fine, I am listening,” it helps break down the stigma.
Making a few small changes in our habits can ease the overwhelming anxiety. The breath that is never fully taken can be released, making one feel, “I matter.”
Today’s youth are not meant to merely survive and endure the storm. We can help them rise above this darkness—to bloom and to breathe. We can restore their trust and remind them that the sunrise awaits beyond silence.
Picture design by Anumita Roy
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