Are more young Indians seeking mental health help? Dr Samir Parikh answers

Mental health experts at the HealthWealth Summit examined why rising public discussion has not translated into greater help-seeking. They highlighted social media distortions, AI risks, stigma, affordability and limited access to professional care.Mental health experts discuss social media, everyday stressors and the changing ways we cope.New Delhi,Oct 29, 2026 19:37 ISTSocial media has made mental health a more visible part of public conversation, but that does not necessarily mean more people are seeking professional help. At India Today’s HealthWealth Summit, mental health experts highlighted the gap between growing awareness and actual help-seeking, pointing to persistent stigma, limited access and the need for better mental health education.Speaking during a session titled 'All is Hell?', Dr Samir Parikh, chairperson and director of the Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences at Fortis Healthcare, said that the perception that more people are seeking help simply because they are talking about mental health more often is not entirely accurate. Dr Manushree Gupta, President of the Delhi Psychiatric Society, and Dr Sandeep Vohra, psychiatrist and digital mental health entrepreneur, were also part of the discussion.“Even today, three-quarters of people experiencing mental health difficulties do not seek help,” Dr Parikh said, adding that the proportion of people approaching mental health professionals had not risen dramatically over the past 25 to 30 years.He also cautioned against treating social media feeds as a reflection of society at large. Algorithms can show users more content about depression and anxiety after they engage with such posts, creating the impression that everyone is discussing these issues or seeking help. “We have started mistaking the noise within our own ecosystem for reality,” he said.Why young people are feeling the pressureThe discussion also examined why stress among young people needs to be taken seriously. Dr Parikh pointed out that stress has always existed, although its sources may have changed. Rather than denying its presence, he said, the focus should be on helping people develop the skills to manage it. Dr Vohra highlighted how the nature of support available to young people has changed. Earlier, family members often provided emotional cushioning, helping individuals put their problems into perspective. Today, social media exposes young people to constant comparisons with others, including their achievements, finances and lifestyles.Dr Gupta also noted that social media has made identity formation increasingly public, with likes and dislikes becoming measures against which young people assess themselves.Can AI help with mental health?The experts also discussed the growing use of artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini for mental health concerns. Dr Gupta warned that AI systems can sometimes validate inaccurate assumptions, including self-diagnoses involving conditions such as ADHD, or encourage users to label partners as narcissistic or toxic.However, he acknowledged that AI could help people overcome the initial hesitation associated with seeking support, including the stigma around discussing mental health.For those needing professional help, he recommended Tele-MANAS, the Government of India's mental health helpline, available at 14416. He said the service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and offers support in different languages.When should you seek professional help?Dr Vohra said changes in a person's personal, professional or social functioning can be an indication that they may need help. These changes could be noticed by the individual or pointed out by people close to them.He stressed the importance of seeking help early, explaining that delayed treatment can make recovery more difficult. Government hospitals and free support services can provide options for those unable to afford private care.Dr Gupta also raised concerns about the affordability of treatment and gaps in insurance coverage for mental healthcare, arguing that better implementation of existing policies could reduce the financial burden on patients.While conversations around mental health are becoming more common, reducing stigma, improving access to professional support and making mental health education part of the learning environment remain crucial.- Ends