Mpower 2026 Survey: Young Indians Face Emotional Distress Alone
A new Mpower survey reveals that nearly half of young Indians face emotional distress alone, with only 9.2% seeking professional help.
Despite a rise in public conversations regarding mental well-being, a significant portion of young Indians are struggling with emotional challenges in isolation. According to the recent 'Unpack Your Emotional Baggage' survey conducted by Mpower, nearly half of the respondents are navigating their emotional struggles without any external support.
The survey, which focused on young adults aged 18 to 25 across ten major Indian cities—including Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, and Pune—highlights a massive disconnect between mental health awareness and the actual act of seeking professional assistance. While many are aware of the topic, only 9.2% of those surveyed reported having ever sought professional help for their distress.
The Silent Struggle: Hiding Emotions
The findings paint a sobering picture of how the youth manage their internal lives. Approximately 49.5% of respondents admitted to hiding their difficult emotions, attempting to manage their mental state entirely on their own. This tendency to mask feelings is further evidenced by the fact that over 40% of young people respond with "I'm fine" even when they are clearly struggling.
Common coping mechanisms identified in the study include:
- Avoiding conversations regarding personal feelings.
- Staying constantly occupied to distract from emotional pain.
- Suppressing emotions rather than addressing the root cause.
Academic Pressure and Hopelessness
The survey revealed that a staggering 67.3% of participants have experienced feelings of hopelessness or have lost hope at some point in their lives. When asked to identify the triggers for this hopelessness, the reasons were clear:
- Academic Pressure: 58.4% cited exams and studies as the primary stressor.
- Future Uncertainty: 14.3% expressed anxiety regarding what lies ahead.
- Relationship Issues: 10.4% pointed to interpersonal struggles.
The Impact of Unhelpful Responses
For the few who do attempt to open up, the social response can often be a deterrent. The study found that 40.4% of those who shared their feelings were told to "be strong." Others were dismissed as "overthinking" or were simply told to focus more on their work or studies. In stark contrast, only 13.6% of respondents felt they were listened to without judgment and provided with genuine support.
"Forty percent of the young people we spoke to have been told to just be strong. Only nine percent felt able to seek professional help. Somewhere between those two numbers is where we’re failing them," said Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson of Aditya Birla Education Trust. She emphasized the need for early intervention in schools to prevent silence from becoming a permanent coping mechanism.
Gender Differences in Stressors
The survey also highlighted distinct patterns in how different genders experience emotional strain:
- Women: Reported higher levels of internal stressors, such as body image concerns (69%), constant overthinking (60%), and self-doubt (56%).
- Men: Reported higher levels of external stressors, including work-related stress (57%) and financial insecurity (54%).
Notably, the study pointed out a lack of emotional self-awareness among young men, with 60% of those who failed to realize something was wrong until someone else pointed it out being male.
A Gap in Peer Support Readiness
While 62.2% of young respondents claimed they would listen without judgment if a friend expressed suicidal thoughts, there is a lack of practical knowledge on how to handle such crises. Only 6.9% said they would attempt to connect the person with professional help, while 22.3% preferred to simply inform the person's parents and leave the responsibility to them. This suggests an urgent need for better emotional literacy and practical training to help youth support one another effectively.