Relationship problems are India’s top concern, according to a report by mental wellness provider Mpower. This finding reflects the country’s particular urban challenges as well as the changing mental health landscape. Based on more than 100,000 calls, the analysis offers important new information about mental health problems that people in India face. With 52% of callers seeking support being males and 48% being women, Kolkata, which ranks fifth in terms of call volume, displayed a distinctive gender distribution, suggesting that men in the city are becoming more receptive to mental health counseling.

Important trends in the categories of issues and groups requesting assistance are shown by the statistics from Kolkata. Relationship issues were the most common issue, making up 45% of all calls—much higher than the 33% national average. Stress (11%), anxiety (24%), and depression (17%) came next. These results highlight the substantial effect that interpersonal difficulties have on Kolkata residents’ mental health, which is probably impacted by the city’s distinct social and cultural dynamics.

The high prevalence of Relationship Problems among Kolkata residents, particularly within the 18-25 age group, is a significant concern. Young adults make up the majority of helpline calls, with 49% of callers being in the 18–25 age group and 36% being in the 26–40 age group. Young adults are negotiating challenging social and emotional environments, juggling the demands of their careers, developing positive relationships, and forming their identities. These difficulties may have a major effect on their general development and mental health. To address these issues and encourage favorable mental health outcomes for this susceptible group, early intervention and access to suitable support networks are essential.

Mpower is still dedicated to giving Kolkata citizens easy access to high-quality mental health services and spreading the word about how critical it is to get help. The Mpower Kolkata Center has been in existence for more than four years. It was founded during the COVID-19 pandemic to meet the increase in mental health requirements of isolated people and their families. Through its extensive array of multidisciplinary mental health services, the Center has helped innumerable people throughout the years.

Priyanka Dutta