Childhood stress is breaking children’s mental health, and 90% receive no treatment: warns AIIMS expert Prof. Rajesh Sagar

New Delhi: The rate of mental health issues among children and adolescents in India is rising rapidly, prompting a serious warning from the Department of Psychiatry at AIIMS Delhi. Experts say that childhood today is very different from the past—changes in family structure, academic pressure, and societal shifts have weakened children’s emotional support systems.

Professor Dr. Rajesh Sagar of AIIMS Delhi said, “Children existed before too, but today there is much more awareness. At the same time, certain things in our society have changed. Families have become smaller, academic pressure has increased, and mobile phone usage has grown significantly. These factors have weakened children’s emotional support. Increasing social media and screen time, distance from friends, and loneliness are making children more mentally vulnerable. We need to take timely action. Over the past 25 years, the burden of mental disorders has doubled.”

According to him, a major study published in Lancet Psychiatry in 2020 showed that between 1990 and 2017, the burden of mental health issues had doubled. Post-COVID, the problem has worsened further.

Why are mental health issues increasing?

Experts say that ages 1 to 14 years are the most sensitive period for mental development. During this time, the foundations of mental illnesses are often laid, but most symptoms go unnoticed.

Main factors affecting children:

• Excessive academic and exam pressure
• Overuse of mobiles and screens
• Reduced emotional support in nuclear families
• Distance from friends, social isolation
• Competition and bullying in schools
• Domestic conflict, trauma, or harsh treatment

The most alarming fact is that 90% of children with mental health issues in the country do not receive treatment.

Rising cases of child suicide

Dr. Sagar warns that increasing instances of suicide at a young age are a serious concern.

Causes include:

• Fear of failure
• Pressure from home or school
• Influence of social media
• Disruption of sleep and routine
• Inability to communicate or share problems

Childhood trauma—root of half of mental illnesses

Studies show that almost 50% of mental disorders begin due to childhood stress or abuse, such as:

• Neglect or emotional deprivation
• Strict discipline or domestic violence
• School bullying
• Traumatic experiences

These experiences profoundly affect both a child’s brain and behavior.

Expert recommendations

• Mandatory mental health counseling in schools
• Open communication between parents and children
• Limit screen and mobile time
• Encourage outdoor play and activities
• Do not ignore irritability, loneliness, or declining academic performance
• Seek advice from a psychiatrist or specialist in time

Conclusion

Today’s children are navigating the pressures of a rapidly changing world largely alone. Families, schools, and society must work together to protect children’s mental health. Early recognition and intervention can keep children safe from stress, depression, and anxiety.