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Kolkata Residents Seek Mental Health Support: Relationship Issues Top Concerns, Reflecting Unique Urban Challenges

Relationship issues emerged as top concerns, reflecting unique urban challenges, on the backdrop of the evolving mental health landscape in India, reveals a comprehensive analysis, done by Mpower, a unit of the Aditya Birla Education Trust and a leading mental wellness provider.This comprehensive analysis, released on the occasion of its 9th anniversary is based on over 100,000 calls, provides critical insights into the mental health concerns affecting individuals across India.

Kolkata emerged as a significant contributor, ranking fifth in terms of call volume across India. Notably, the city showcased a unique gender distribution, with 52% male and 48% female callers seeking support – a trend that highlights a growing openness to mental health counselling among men in Kolkata.

The data from Kolkata reveals key trends in the types of concerns and demographics seeking support. Relationship problems emerged as the dominant concern, accounting for 45% of all calls, significantly higher than the national average of 33%. This was followed by anxiety (24%), depression (17%), and stress (11%). These findings underscore the significant impact of interpersonal challenges on the mental well-being of Kolkata’s population, likely influenced by the city’s unique social and cultural dynamics.”

“Kolkata presents a unique mental health landscape compared to national trends. Young adults dominate the helpline calls, with the 18-25 age group comprising 49% of callers, followed by the 26-40 age group at 36%, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted support for this demographic. Notably, ‘Relationship Problems’ emerged as the primary concern in Kolkata, surpassing Anxiety, which typically ranks first nationally. This suggests a strong emphasis on interpersonal challenges within the city’s unique social and cultural context, potentially influenced by factors like family dynamics and societal pressures.”

“The high prevalence of Relationship Problems among Kolkata residents, particularly within the 18-25 age group, is a significant concern,” says Dr Preethi Parikh Kolkata-based Psychiatrist and Head of Mpower the Centre at Sarat Bose Road in Kolkata. “Young adults are navigating complex social and emotional landscapes, grappling with identity formation, career pressures, and establishing healthy relationships. These challenges can significantly impact their mental well-being and overall development. Early intervention and access to appropriate support systems are crucial to address these concerns and promote positive mental health outcomes for this vulnerable population.”

Mpower remains committed to providing accessible and effective mental health services to the residents of Kolkata and raising awareness about the importance of seeking support. The Mpower Kolkata Centre, established during the COVID-19 pandemic to address the surge in mental health needs among isolated individuals and their families, has been operational for over four years. Over these years, the Centre has provided vital support to countless individuals through its comprehensive range of multidisciplinary mental health services.

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