Mumbai: A recent report highlights a rise in mental health challenges among Indian students, with 50% of conditions emerging by age 14 and insufficient early intervention worsening the crisis. Despite 47% struggling with sleep disturbances, only 2% seek professional help.

Alarmingly, 9% experience severe sleep difficulties, and 8.7% have contemplated suicide due to academic pressure. Female students are disproportionately affected, accounting for a staggering 78.5% of those with sleep issues.

Unveiled at the Mpowering Minds Summit 2025, an initiative by Mpower under the Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET), the findings emphasise the need for systemic mental health reforms. Experts from Harvard Medical School, the World Economic Forum, and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Australia joined psychiatrists, psychologists, educators, and policymakers in calling for immediate intervention.

The’ Unveiling the Silent Struggle: Mpower Research Report’, launched by Neerja Birla, Chairperson of ABET, and Dr Vijay Bhaviskar, Director of Mental Health Services, Government of Maharashtra, reveals that 38% of students face academic anxiety, 50% report declining performance, 41% experience social isolation, and 47% struggle with sleep issues.

The report also establishes strong correlations between loneliness and sleep disturbances (35%) and stress (47%), reinforcing the need for systemic reform.

In response, Neerja Birla has announced the ‘Global Mental Health Consortium’, an initiative aimed at transforming mental health policies, fostering early intervention, and strengthening cross-sector collaboration.

Experts echoed the urgency for action. Dr Shekhar Seshadri, Former Professor, NIMHANS, emphasised "Strengthening response systems and collaboration can prevent severe crises and ensure young people receive the support they need."

Dr Shyam Bishen, World Economic Forum, reinforced: "Mental health is a fundamental human right and a key pillar of economic well-being. It must be embedded in public health policies."