Mental health issues among young people are emerging as a serious concern, emphasised IAS officer A. Devasena during the inaugural session of the two-day national seminar ‘Samanvaya 2026’. KIMS Hospitals organised the event in association with the Clinical Psychology Society of India (CPSI).
Call for Responsible Social Media Use
While inaugurating the seminar, Ms. Devasena pointed out that increasing social media usage is influencing students in undesirable ways, as highlighted in several reports. Therefore, she urged young individuals to use social media responsibly and, more importantly, focus on building a strong foundation for their future from an early stage.
Addressing Emotional Distress and Suicide Risks
Furthermore, she drew attention to the rising number of suicides among youth. She explained that many such cases stem from feelings of inferiority and emotional distress. Emphasising the importance of communication, she stated that discussing problems with others often helps in finding solutions. Consequently, she advised young people to avoid taking extreme steps over minor setbacks.
Need for Multidisciplinary and Patient-Centred Care
Adding to this, KIMS Group of Hospitals CMD Dr. Bhaskar Rao highlighted the participation of experts from clinical psychology and allied disciplines. He noted that they deliberated on modern and comprehensive treatment approaches. He also stressed that such platforms benefit young medical professionals and, in turn, promote multidisciplinary collaboration and patient-centred care to tackle the growing mental health burden.
Alarming Statistics Underscore Urgency
Meanwhile, Organising Chairperson Dr. Shanmukhi underlined the seminar’s significance in the context of rising mental health challenges. Referring to National Crime Records Bureau (2022–2023) data, she revealed that over 13,000 students die by suicide annually in India—an average of nearly 35 deaths per day. In addition, more than 1.7 lakh suicides occur each year nationwide. On a global scale, she added that around 14% of young people experience mental health issues.
Focus on Evidence-Based and Integrated Approaches
At the same time, academic experts Dr. Saroj Arya and Dr. Bhaskar Naidu emphasised the importance of evidence-based care. They advocated for integrated treatment approaches, especially for complex conditions such as depression, anxiety, and somatic and dissociative disorders. Notably, the theme ‘Samanvaya’, meaning balance and integration, resonated throughout these discussions.
Prioritising Well-being of Mental Health Professionals
In addition, the seminar addressed the well-being of mental health professionals. Experts discussed the importance of self-care and strategies to prevent burnout. They also highlighted the need for early identification of mental health issues, reducing stigma, and encouraging individuals to seek help without hesitation.
Collaborative Platform for Knowledge Exchange
As per the press release, the event, centred on youth mental health under the theme ‘Yuvan’, witnessed participation from experts representing the University of Hyderabad, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, and several hospitals. A panel discussion on integrated care approaches served as a key highlight, enabling meaningful exchanges on clinical challenges and solutions.
Strong Organising and Institutional Support
Finally, the organising team from KIMS—including Dr. Shanmukhi, Dr. Hemalatha, and Dr. Adhithy Devi—successfully coordinated the seminar. CPSI representatives Dr. Jamuna Rajeswaran and Dr. N. Suresh Kumar extended their support. Overall, organisers stated that ‘Samanvaya 2026’ went beyond discussions, as it actively fostered collaboration, skill development, and the advancement of comprehensive mental healthcare services for youth.