By A Staff Reporter
Kolkata stands out as a unique case in India's mental health landscape, with relationship issues emerging as the most significant concern among its residents. This insight comes from Empower, an initiative of the Aditya Birla Education Trust, which analyzed over one lakh helpline calls across the country. The findings place Kolkata at the forefront, receiving the highest percentage of calls addressing mental health issues.
Kolkata ranked fifth nationally in total call volume but saw a distinctive trend: 52% of the calls came from men, while women accounted for 48%. The analysis revealed that relationship concerns constituted more than 45% of the total calls from Kolkata, significantly higher than the national average of 33%. Other concerns such as anxiety (24%), depression (17%), and stress (11%) were also prevalent but trailed behind relationship issues.
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Interestingly, young adults were the primary demographic reaching out for help. Nearly 49% of callers were aged 18–25, while 36% were in the 26–40 age group, highlighting a pressing need for targeted mental health interventions for the youth in the city.
Dr. Preeti Parikh, a psychiatrist at Empower, explained, "Young people are navigating complex social and emotional contexts, including identity formation, career pressures, and relationships. These challenges significantly impact their mental well-being. Early intervention and support are crucial to fostering positive mental health outcomes for this vulnerable population."
Empower has been instrumental in addressing these issues since establishing its Kolkata center in 2019. Initially focused on supporting individuals and families during the COVID-19 pandemic, the center continues to provide critical mental health services to the city's residents.
As part of its broader mission, Empower has been working for the past eight years to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in India. Through collaborations with government agencies and an integrated approach, the organization aims to create a supportive environment for those in need.
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