Mental Health Crisis India’s Young Adults Rank 60th In Global Mental Health

Global Mind Health report 2026: According to the Global Mind Health 2025 report released by US-based non-profit Sapien Labs, Indian young adults (ages 18–34) have ranked 60th among 84 nations in mental well-being and a new global report suggests that its youngest workforce is facing an unprecedented internal struggle.

Key Highlights: 

This ranking is not merely a reflection of post-pandemic stress but points to a "structural, multi-year generational shift." While older Indians continue to show high levels of mental resilience, the younger cohort is struggling with core mental functions, including emotional regulation and relationship stability.

The report highlights a stark "generational divide," with individuals aged 55+ scoring nearly three times higher on the Mind Health Quotient (MHQ) than those aged 18-34 a metric that aggregates 47 cognitive, emotional, and social capacities.

• Young Adults (18-34): Scored an average MHQ of 33, ranking 60th globally.

• Seniors (55+): Scored an average MHQ of 96, ranking 49th and aligning with normal functional norms.

This nearly 3x difference in scores suggests that the mental "baseline" for younger generations has shifted significantly downward compared to their parents and grandparents.

Why Are the Youth Struggling? 

Researchers identified four primary lifestyle and environmental factors that are unique to the modern "internet-enabled" generation:

• Early Smartphone Exposure: India ranks 71st in the age of first smartphone ownership. On average, Indian youth received their first device at 16.5 years. Early immersion is linked to diminished social and emotional development.

• Ultra-Processed Food (UPF) Consumption: 44% of young adults in India consume UPFs like packaged snacks, sugary drinks, instant noodles etc. High UPF intake is increasingly linked to poor cognitive resilience.

• Fading Family Bonds: India performs well globally in family closeness (ranking 28th), the generational gap is widening. Only 64% of youth report being close to family, versus 78% of seniors.

• Decline in Core Functioning: The report also reflects a decline in the ability to maintain focus, build stable relationships, and recover from life’s inevitable stressors.

Interestingly, the study found that young adults in economically developed nations like Japan, the UK, and Taiwan often rank lower than those in less-developed regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa. This suggests that the "modern" way of life characterized by high digital consumption and processed diets may be at odds with human biological needs for mental health.

Source: Sapien Labs

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