Radhika Gupta, CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, has shared her thoughts on a growing issue among young people: depression. Gupta attributes this rise in mental health issues to the pressures of social media and the desire to emulate others whose lives appear “cool” on platforms like Instagram.
Gupta believes that many young people today are struggling with depression because they are increasingly focused on trying to be someone else rather than embracing their unique identities. She highlighted this issue in a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “The pressure of being someone because their life looks cool on Instagram, rather than being your unique self.”
The past decade has seen a significant increase in the number of people diagnosed with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. This trend is not limited to any one region but is seen both in India and globally. Factors contributing to this surge include the pressures of modern life, social media influence, and a greater awareness and recognition of mental health issues.
The lack of understanding about mental health issues among older generations contrasts sharply with the growing awareness among younger people. Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui highlighted this cultural divide in a statement made last year. Reflecting on his upbringing in a village, Siddiqui noted, “I come from a place where, if I would tell my father that I am feeling depressed, he would give me one tight slap… Depression wahan nahi thha, kisi ko bhi nahi hota wahan depression, sab khush hai (No one gets depressed in villages, everyone is happy there). But I learnt about anxiety, depression, and bipolar after coming to the city.”
Gupta’s comments underscore the importance of addressing social media’s impact on mental health. As young people navigate the pressures of portraying a perfect life online, there is a need for greater emphasis on authenticity and self-acceptance. Mental health awareness campaigns and educational efforts can play a crucial role in helping individuals understand the importance of being true to oneself and seeking help when needed.
By fostering a culture that values mental well-being and self-acceptance, society can better support young people in managing the pressures of modern life and social media.
