Could Ayurveda Be the Key to Managing Mental Health in Young Adults?

A recent report by the IC3 Institute India has noted an increase of 4.2 per cent between 2021 and 2022 in student suicides. It is a matter of great concern that these numbers have been surging at twice the rate of overall suicides across the span of the past 20 years. In the past 10 years alone, student suicides have more than doubled from 6,654 to 13,044.

Going by The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) figures, India has the highest number of suicides in the world. Over 1.71 lakh people died by suicide in just 2022 and a young Indian dies by suicide every eight minutes. It is time we acknowledged that we have a youth mental health crisis on our hands. This is a public health problem that must be addressed with actionable solutions without delay.

Dr Ravishankar Polisetty discusses how Ayurveda can help address the mental health crisis among the youth

The destigmatisation of mental health problems, not subjecting the young to unrealistic academic pressures. accessible counselling, a strong focus on creating healthy, safe and open communication channels and holistic therapies can help mitigate stress as well as mental health problems like anxiety.

Holistic therapies, in this context, refer to an amalgamation of care strategies drawn from science and healing systems like Ayurveda, which address the root cause of an issue rather than just treating the symptoms.

Balancing the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) with tailored care strategies, which are designed based on the individual’s doshic predominance at each tissue (Saptha dhatus) and organ level, may include soothing potions made from herbs like Ashwagandha, Bhringraj, Brahmi, and Mandukaparni, cultivating mindfulness, practising personalised breathing exercises (such as Differential Nostril Breathing like either Surya nadi or chandra nadi and Pranayama), following a regular yoga regimen, and engaging in meditation (Dhyana) can lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety, promote good sleep, and elevate energy.

Therapies like ‘Abhyanga,’ ‘Takradhara,’ ‘Shiroabhyanga,’ and ‘Sirodhara,’ along with regular water intake, a regulated nutritious diet, adherence to daily routines (Dinacharya), and health-affirming seasonal practices (Ritucharya), can improve the wellness of both the mind and body.

Integrating psychotherapy and Vedic tenets can play a pivotal role in managing the mental health of our youth and helping them regulate their emotions with a broader understanding of stress triggers and how they can be countered effectively. Ayurveda is indeed “The Science of Life,” aiming to heal the whole person by considering their physical, mental, and spiritual health.

The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024-2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” with a call to action that entreats us all to “Start the Conversation”.

Psychotherapy and counselling, a supportive environment, and the wisdom of Ayurveda can help bolster the mental health of our youth, but a conversation must be initiated about why so many young lives are lost so tragically.

In addition to the traditional therapies mentioned, the integration of modern digital tools like mental health apps and AI-powered chatbots is becoming increasingly important. Globally, platforms like these offer immediate access to mental health resources, providing students with anonymous, 24/7 support for issues ranging from stress and anxiety to suicidal ideation. As technology advances, teletherapy and virtual mental health consultations are gaining traction, especially post-pandemic, making mental health care more accessible than ever before.

Moreover, the growing emphasis on mental health awareness in schools and workplaces is leading to the incorporation of mindfulness programs, resilience training, and emotional intelligence education as part of the curriculum.

International campaigns such as “Mental Health First Aid” are also being adapted in various parts of the world, empowering individuals to identify mental health challenges early and provide basic assistance before professional help arrives.

Lastly, the global dialogue around climate change and its psychological impact—commonly referred to as “eco-anxiety”—is another emerging area of concern, particularly for the younger generation. Studies suggest that the rising fears about environmental degradation are contributing to heightened levels of anxiety and stress among youth, further underscoring the need for holistic approaches to mental well-being. SGP is working proactively to create the mental health ecosystem through our Docture Poly digital services.

We need to create more safe spaces for youth to express themselves, make timely help accessible, spread awareness about suicide helplines, and educate ourselves about the symptoms of anxiety and depression so that we can take note and act proactively to offer help before it’s too late.