Indian youth in the 18-34 age group score poorly globally on mental health well-being, while older Indians have relatively performed better on various mental health parameters according to the “Global Mind Health in 2025” report.
The 46-page report published in February 2026 by the non-profit-organisation Sapien Labs reveals that young adults in India had an average mental health quotient (MHQ) score of about 33, defined under the “Distressed or Struggling” category, while the average MHQ for Indians above 55 was nearly 100, indicating the “Managing or Succeeding” category.
The Indian youths ranked 60th in the 84-nation study, while older Indians performed better and were ranked 49th.
Sapien Labs Founder and Chief Scientist Tara Thiagarajan said, “Since we began measuring in 2019, the mind health of adults aged 55 and older has remained consistently at scores of about 100, exactly where a normal population is expected to be on the MHQ scale.
“On the other hand, young adults under 35, who were already struggling relative to their parents and grandparents before the COVID-19 pandemic, took a sharp nosedive during the pandemic from which they have never recovered.”
The global report features data collected from around 1m people in 84 countries. It reveals that 41% of the world’s Internet-enabled young adults (ages 18-34) now face a “mind health crisis” that substantially impairs their ability to navigate a constellation of cognitive, emotional, social and physical challenges and live a fully productive life.
Key global findings:
– The global MHQ stands at 66. However, while adults 55+ remain at the normally expected MHQ score of 101, with ~10% experiencing clinically significant mental health challenges, each younger generation scores lower, with those 18-34 having an average MHQ of 36 and 41% experiencing clinically significant mental health challenges.
– Geographically, young adults 18-34 fare best in Sub-Saharan African countries and worst in wealthier countries. Six out of the top 10 countries are in Sub-Saharan Africa and include Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya and Nigeria, while the bottom 10 include the UK, New Zealand, and Japan.
-The report also looks at four of the major causes of diminished mind health in young adults aged 18-34: family bonds, spirituality, smartphones, and ultra-processed food consumption.
Dr Thiagarajan said, “We found that alongside struggles with depression and anxiety, young adults often experience challenges on many other fronts, from emotional control to handling relationships with others and to their ability to focus.”