Eighty-one percent of Indians believe mental health problems are rising across society, yet nearly 80% hesitate to seek therapy or counselling, according to the अ-Nishchit Index 2.0, a study by Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance (ABSLI). The findings were released ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10.
The survey covered 3,583 respondents aged 22 to 60 across 20 cities, with fieldwork by Drshti Strategic Research Services, according to BusinessToday.
Hesitation varies by region
In the East, 25% of respondents said they would hesitate to see a therapist. The figure was 22% in the North, 21% in the West and 14% in the South. In the East, 27% of men were hesitant compared with 24% of women. The East also showed the greatest worry about rising mental health problems, at 26%.
The study illustrates that mental health hesitation is compounded by interlocking socio-economic anxieties:
Inflation and economic pressure recorded an uncertainty index score of 80, led by 81% of respondents worrying about inflation eroding savings and 80% reporting that income growth fails to match the rising cost of living.
Health and medical risks scored 80 on the uncertainty scale, with 82% anxious about escalating healthcare costs impacting family finances and 80% doubting whether they have enough savings buffers for sudden critical illness.
Climate and environmental anxiety tied at an index score of 80, driven by 81% of respondents expecting pollution levels to worsen and directly affect long-term health.
The survey does not establish why people hesitate. BusinessToday notes that stigma, awareness of services, affordability and access to counselling are possible factors but were not identified as causes. It also notes that the results reflect respondents’ perceptions and should not be treated as representative of every individual or region in India.
Bridging the gap between recognition and care
Industry executives highlighted the urgent need to address social stigma alongside systemic intervention.
"The index shows that attitudes to mental health in India are shaped by region, gender, and family circumstances, so our response has to account for those differences," said Kamlesh Rao, MD & CEO of Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance.
Amit Gupta, CFO at Aditya Birla Education Trust and Head of Operations at Mpower, underscored the division between noticing distress and taking action. "People may recognize that mental-health concerns are rising, yet recognizing distress in oneself or a loved one and knowing when to seek professional help remain very different things," Gupta stated, adding that mental health literacy should be built early and embedded in school curricula so that seeking help becomes a normal part of everyday life.
If you or someone you know is struggling, KIRAN, India’s 24/7 toll-free helpline, is available at 1800-599-0019.
