UNICEF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the Gujarat State Health Department, and The George Institute for Global Health, organized a two-day multi-partner consultation focused on adolescent and youth mental health in Gujarat.
The consultation highlighted the urgent need to address stigma, which continues to prevent many adolescents from seeking mental health support and services.
Senior policymakers, health officials, technical experts, and youth advocates participated in the discussions to strengthen mental health awareness, improve access to services, and promote youth engagement in mental health discourse.
Policymakers and Experts Discuss Mental Health Challenges
The consultation brought together representatives from:
- The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India
- The Department of Health Services, Government of Gujarat
- The State Mental Health Authority, Gujarat
- UNICEF
- The George Institute for Global Health
As per the UNICEF press release, the event also featured an interactive youth panel moderated by Zafrin Chowdhury, Chief of Communication, Advocacy and Partnerships at UNICEF.
The panel included UNICEF youth advocates Gauranshi Sharma and Unnathi Surana, along with Gujarat-based youth facilitators Heet Doshi and Yaman Mahadev Dave.
Additionally, Dr. Narayan Gaonkar, Chief (a.i), UNICEF Gujarat, and Dr. Syed Hubbe Ali, Health Specialist at UNICEF India Country Office, participated in the discussions.
Government Highlights Ongoing Mental Health Initiatives
Dr. Zoya Ali Rizvi, Deputy Commissioner for Adolescent Health at MoHFW, emphasized the Government of India’s continued commitment to adolescent health and mental well-being.
“The Government of India is undertaking sustained efforts to promote holistic adolescent health and well-being, including mental health, through flagship programmes such as the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) and the Ayushman Bharat School Health and Wellness Programme,” she said.
She further expressed confidence that youth consultations would strengthen outreach efforts and provide meaningful support to adolescents across the country.
National Programmes Aim to Expand Mental Health Services
India has established a strong policy and programmatic framework to address adolescent mental health challenges, including stigma, low awareness, and poor help-seeking behaviour.
Several national initiatives currently support adolescent mental health services, including:
- National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)
- District Mental Health Programme (DMHP)
- Ayushman Bharat School Health and Wellness Programme
- Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK)
Moreover, the government has established nearly 8,000 Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics across the country as primary healthcare access points for adolescents.
At the community level, close to one million peer educators conduct weekly participatory sessions on health and well-being to encourage awareness and support among young people.
Youth Voices Take Centre Stage
The consultation created a platform for young people to openly discuss their understanding of mental health, the support systems they rely on, and the barriers that prevent them from seeking help.
Heet Doshi, a 21-year-old founder of Listening Circles and youth facilitator, stressed the importance of open conversations.
“I feel our generation can change a lot, especially when it comes to mental health. But change starts with us—by creating safe spaces for our friends and being open about our own feelings. If we treat mental health as something normal to talk about, others around us will too,” he said.
He also emphasized the need for a thoughtful and collective approach to break stigma on a larger scale.
UNICEF Calls for Safe and Youth-Friendly Spaces
Zafrin Chowdhury highlighted the importance of early intervention and open dialogue in addressing mental health challenges among adolescents.
“Stigma thrives in silence. When young people cannot talk openly about what they are going through—in their homes, schools, or communities—they suffer alone,” she said.
She further noted that childhood and adolescence are critical developmental stages that shape adulthood.
“Not only do we work for children and young people, but we also work with them as co-creators of change. The goal is to create safe, accessible, and youth-friendly platforms that encourage open dialogue and timely support,” she added.
Experts Identify Major Mental Health Concerns Among Youth
Dr. Syed Hubbe Ali highlighted several key mental health issues affecting adolescents and young people in India, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Low self-esteem
- Digital addiction
- Self-harm
He also pointed out that domestic violence, relationship conflicts, examination stress, and job-related pressure often contribute to self-harm and suicide among young people.
According to him, families, educational institutions, peer support groups, and professional counsellors must work together to address these challenges effectively.
Gujarat Reaffirms Commitment to Adolescent Mental Health
Dr. Ratankanvar H. Gadhavicharan, Commissioner, Health and Managing Director, NHM, Government of Gujarat, reiterated the state’s commitment to adolescent well-being.
“Mental health is not separate from physical health. It is central to the well-being of every young person in Gujarat,” he said.
He further emphasized that listening to young people and acting on their concerns would help build a healthier and more resilient generation.
“The Government of Gujarat remains committed to ensuring that every adolescent has access to the support they need, free from stigma and discrimination,” he added.
Consultation Concludes with Release of Assessment Report
The consultation concluded with the release of the ‘Adolescent-Friendly Health Centre Assessment Report.’
The report aligns with national and global efforts to:
- Reduce mental health stigma
- Improve help-seeking behaviour
- Strengthen youth participation in mental health conversations
The discussions also form part of broader preparations for the global conference, ‘Together Against Stigma,’ scheduled for November 2026.
UNICEF, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), The George Institute for Global Health, and the World Psychiatric Association will jointly host the conference.