Indian Express Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : A Silent Epidemic Stalks: Lifestyle and Mental Health in India

 GS-2 Mains Exam : Health

Revision Notes

Economic Growth and Lifestyle

• India leads in growth of ultra-processed food consumption among youth, with low levels of exercise and inadequate sleep.
• Cultural changes like smartphone usage and English dominance in schools are weakening family ties.
• Result: A silent epidemic of mental ill-health in India.

Smartphones and Mental Health

• Studies show smartphones negatively impact brain function.
• Early smartphone access is linked to worse cognition and mental well-being in young adults.
• Early access also correlates with a lower likelihood of college completion.
• Smartphones may offer economic benefits but unrestricted use among teens lacks justification.

Rise of Ultra-Processed Foods

• India reports the highest growth in ultra-processed food consumption, which is as addictive as smoking.
• Strong link between ultra-processed foods and poor mental health.

Physical Exercise: Impact on Well-being

• Exercise is proven to boost mental well-being, enhancing energy, reducing pain, and improving focus.
• Challenges: Limited play areas, school pressure, smartphones, and coaching classes make it difficult for youth to adopt regular exercise habits.

Family Dynamics and Mental Health

• Strong family relationships are linked to better mental health, improved mood, and enhanced social relations.
• Teenagers responding in regional languages report stronger family bonds compared to those responding in English.
• As schools increasingly adopt English as the primary instruction medium, there’s concern this may weaken family bonds and affect mental well-being.

Money vs. Mental Health

• Rising income levels and development have lifted many out of poverty, but wealth does not guarantee mental well-being.
• Data shows youth from families with incomes under Rs 1 lakh per year, who exercise regularly, have close family ties, and avoid ultra-processed foods, report better mental health.
• Conversely, youth from families earning over Rs 10 lakh per year often lead sedentary lives, have weaker family relationships, and consume more ultra-processed foods, resulting in poorer mental well-being.

Urgent Need for Intervention

• India’s economic growth is tied to its youth, yet they report declining mental health.
• Two decades ago, adolescents had high mental well-being, now they report the lowest levels.
• Main causes: Smartphone usage, ultra-processed foods, lack of exercise.
• Immediate action is necessary:
  • Policymakers, schools, parents, and medical associations must collaborate.
  • The private sector must recognize that mental ill-health will affect their workforce and demand for products.

Conclusion

Addressing the mental health epidemic is both urgent and important. If not tackled, modern lifestyle choices like smartphones and processed foods will severely affect India’s demographic dividend.