As India Drafts School Mental Health Policy, Study Reveals Why Teens Still Suffer in Silence

India is taking a significant step toward addressing the mental well-being of students with the development of a National Mental Health and Well-Being Policy for Schools. The proposed policy, recently reviewed by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan along with experts and stakeholders, aims to create safer, more supportive, and emotionally healthy learning environments across the country. The policy initiative comes at a crucial time. A new review led by The George Institute for Global Health has revealed that despite growing awareness about mental health, many Indian adolescents continue to struggle in silence due to stigma, poor mental health literacy, and limited access to youth-friendly support services.Also read: The Future of Sunscreen

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Mental health challenges among adolescents

Published in SSM – Mental Health, the review examined findings from 26 studies conducted across multiple Indian cities and states, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Odisha, Bihar, Assam, and Goa. Researchers analysed barriers that prevent adolescents from seeking help for anxiety, depression, emotional distress, and other mental health conditions. The findings highlight a concerning reality: many young people are unable or unwilling to access mental health care even when they need it. According to researchers, mental health disorders often emerge during adolescence, making early intervention critical. However, several obstacles continue to stand in the way of timely support.

Stigma remains the biggest barrier

The review found that stigma was the most commonly reported barrier to seeking mental health care. Many adolescents fear being judged, labelled, or treated differently if they openly discuss emotional struggles. This fear often prevents them from reaching out to parents, teachers, counselors, or healthcare professionals. Experts say societal attitudes toward mental health continue to discourage open conversations, leading many young people to suppress their concerns rather than seek help. "Evidence shows that stigma, low mental health literacy, worries about privacy, and service access frustration deter many from seeking help. Identifying these challenges requires coordinated efforts in schools, communities, families, and health services," said Dr. Sudha Kallakuri, Senior Research Fellow at The George Institute for Global Health India and lead author of the review.

Poor mental health awareness delays support

Researchers also identified low mental health literacy as a major challenge. Many adolescents, parents, and even teachers struggle to recognize early signs of anxiety, depression, stress, or emotional distress. Without proper awareness, opportunities for early diagnosis and intervention are often missed. Beyond stigma and awareness, practical barriers also affect help-seeking behaviour. The review highlighted:

• Shortages of mental health professionals
• Limited adolescent-friendly services
• Financial constraints
• Long distances to healthcare facilities
• Negative past experiences with healthcare providers

Many adolescents also expressed concerns about confidentiality, fearing that personal information shared during counseling could be disclosed to parents or others without their consent. As a result, many young people turn to friends and peers for support instead of seeking professional help.

Schools may hold the key

The findings come as India develops its proposed National Mental Health and Well-Being Policy for Schools. During policy discussions, Pradhan emphasized creating inclusive school environments that promote empathy, emotional resilience, trust, and well-being. The review found strong evidence that school-based mental health programs can improve mental health literacy, reduce stigma, strengthen coping skills, and encourage help-seeking behavior among students. Experts believe teachers can play a vital role as first-level mentors who identify early warning signs and guide students toward appropriate support. Researchers conclude that addressing India's adolescent mental health crisis will require coordinated action across schools, families, communities, and healthcare systems. Reducing stigma, improving awareness, strengthening counseling services, and expanding youth-friendly mental health support could help bridge the large treatment gap that currently exists.