Regardless of profession, gender, or age, mental anxiety and chronic psychological stress are rapidly increasing in Kolkata. The changing lifestyle of the metropolis is directly impacting citizens' mental health. This alarming picture has emerged from a recent internal data analysis by private mental health initiative 'Empower'. The organisation claims that the number of people suffering from anxiety, depression, mood swings, mental distress, loss of rhythm in daily activities, failure, and long-term mental fatigue is gradually increasing in the city.
More residents seeking professional help
This analysis, conducted under the leadership of Neerja Birla, founder and chairperson of the survey organisation, shows that many people in Kolkata are now seeking specialists for various symptoms like mood instability, excessive mental stress, emotional fatigue, and inability to cope with daily situations. According to doctors, in rapidly changing urban life, academic and workplace pressure, financial obligations, relationship tensions, loneliness, and lack of rest—all these factors together are increasing the risk of mental problems. This trend is particularly observed among the younger generation and working adults.
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Dr Preeti Parekh, chief psychiatrist at Kolkata's Empower Center, says that nowadays many people come to doctors not with symptoms of specific mental illnesses, but rather suffering from mental fatigue, stress, or emotional imbalance. In her words, "In many cases, patients cannot understand what their problem should be called or identified as. However, they clearly realise that situations they could easily handle in daily life before are no longer possible in a smooth manner, and in many cases, even with great effort."
Data highlights growing need for early intervention
According to Empower's data, more than 1.5 lakh people have already benefited through the organisation's various clinical services, helplines, and awareness programs in eastern India, including Kolkata. Among service recipients, the numbers of children and adolescents (0-17 years), young generation (18-25 years), and working people (26-49 years) are significant. According to experts, these statistics clearly highlight how urgent it is to take care of mental health from the primary level.
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Social stigma still a major barrier
Psychiatrists further report that many people still hesitate to seek professional mental health services due to social inhibition or fear of public shame. To overcome this mental barrier, Empower recently organised art-based 'Art Therapy' workshops in Kolkata. This method creates opportunities to express inner feelings through drawing or creative expression.
According to experts, this type of therapy can play an important role in reducing mental stress and increasing self-awareness. Experts' warning—in this era of rapid urbanisation, increasing awareness for maintaining mental well-being and seeking professional help as needed is truly the demand of the times.
