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GD Topic Notes: Major Reason Behind Rising Mental Health Issues in India

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R2R GD TOPIC NOTES

GD Topic: 

Mental health is one of the rapidly increasing health problems in our country. In your opinion, what is the major reason for mental health issues?
a. High Social Expectations
b. Lack of Mental Toughness
c. Lifestyle Changes

What is the Major Reason for Mental Health Issues? 

"Mental health needs a great deal of attention. It’s the final taboo and it needs to be faced and dealt with." Mental health issues are rising at an alarming rate, affecting people across different age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds. The three primary factors contributing to this issue are High Social Expectations, Lack of Mental Toughness, and Lifestyle Changes.

1. High Social Expectations – The Pressure to Perform
  • Academic and Career Pressure: Students often face undue stress due to expectations from parents, teachers, and peers to excel academically.
  • Workplace Stress: Employees are burdened with targets, deadlines, and competition, leading to burnout and anxiety.
  • Social Media Influence: Comparison culture and the pressure to present a perfect life can lead to low self-esteem and body image issues.
  • Marriage and Family Expectations: Societal norms often impose unrealistic responsibilities, especially on women, contributing to mental distress.
  • Statistics: According to the WHO, nearly 56 million Indians suffer from depression and 38 million suffer from anxiety disorders.
Impact: 
✅ Increased stress and anxiety levels.
✅ Decline in self-confidence and self-worth.
✅ Rising cases of depression and suicidal tendencies.
2. Lack of Mental Toughness – Inadequate Coping Mechanisms
  • Emotional Fragility: Many individuals lack the resilience to face setbacks, leading to frustration and mental breakdowns.
  • Parenting Gaps: Overprotective or neglectful parenting styles often fail to cultivate problem-solving skills in children.
  • Limited Emotional Support: Absence of a strong support system exacerbates feelings of loneliness and helplessness.
  • Social Stigma: Seeking professional help for mental health concerns is often viewed negatively in society.
  • Statistics: Reports indicate that only 10-12% of people with mental health issues in India seek professional help.
Impact: 
✅ Poor emotional regulation and decision-making.
✅ Increased risk of substance abuse.
✅ Development of severe mental illnesses like depression or PTSD.
3. Lifestyle Changes – Impact of Modern Living
  • Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity leads to both physical and mental health issues.
  • Unhealthy Diets: Consumption of junk food and lack of nutrition can contribute to mood disorders.
  • Excessive Screen Time: Continuous exposure to digital screens affects sleep patterns and mental well-being.
  • Isolation and Reduced Social Interaction: Urbanization and fast-paced lifestyles have reduced face-to-face communication, leading to loneliness and depression.
  • Sleep Deprivation: Studies suggest that 60-70% of urban Indians suffer from inadequate sleep, worsening their mental health.
Impact: 
✅ Increased levels of anxiety and irritability.

✅ Reduced productivity and focus.

✅ Higher risks of chronic mental health disorders.

Conclusion: The Most Significant Reason 
While High Social Expectations and Lack of Mental Toughness contribute significantly to mental health problems, the most profound factor is Lifestyle Changes.
  • Modern-day habits directly impact both physical and mental well-being.
  • By adopting a healthier lifestyle, individuals can build resilience, improve emotional stability, and reduce the risk of mental disorders.
  • Promoting work-life balance, regular exercise, and healthy eating habits can significantly mitigate the rise of mental health issues.
Therefore, tackling Lifestyle Changes through awareness and behavioral shifts remains the most effective strategy to address mental health challenges in India.

Sachin Jangir

AIR 128 - NDA 152

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