India is facing a growing mental health crisis as institutions meant to provide stability and clarity are instead contributing to public anxiety and uncertainty. According to recent analyses, confusing court decisions, abrupt policy changes, and weak communication from authorities are eroding public trust at a alarming rate.
The Global Mental Health Context
The World Health Organization reveals that one in every six or seven people worldwide lives with a mental disorder. Depressive and anxiety disorders rank as major contributors to years lived with disability across most age groups, standing as the second leading cause of disability globally. The economic impact is staggering, with productivity losses from mental health conditions exceeding $1 trillion annually.
While India struggles with low awareness and limited access to mental health professionals, particularly among lower-income populations, the digital age presents additional challenges. Constant social media exposure exacerbates underlying mental health vulnerabilities, creating a perfect storm for anxiety and depression.
Institutional Failures Amplifying Anxiety
The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer report shows a global decline in trust across institutions, with particular concern about leaders who purposely mislead the public. This category includes government officials, business leaders, and journalists alike. Recent examples from India illustrate how institutional actions directly contribute to public anxiety.
The Green Crackers Controversy
During a period of dangerously poor air quality in Delhi, the judiciary and experts permitted the use of poorly-defined 'green crackers' despite the impracticality of verifying their environmental claims. This decision was coupled with promises of cloud seeding to wash away pollution, despite the absence of necessary cloud conditions. When the artificial rain attempt failed, Delhi residents suffered the health consequences so that a minority could enjoy fireworks.
The media failed to consistently educate citizens about the severe health implications of extensive cracker use, while social media platforms became dominated by extreme viewpoints rather than balanced information.
The Stray Dogs Dilemma
The Supreme Court's handling of stray dog management demonstrates another institutional failure contributing to public anxiety. After issuing an impractical initial order followed by an interim solution, the court ultimately demanded the removal of stray dogs from public spaces without holding any public bodies accountable for creating the problematic situation through years of incompetence.
Media coverage of this issue became highly polarized and potentially agenda-driven, creating societal divisions and increasing fear among different groups for varying reasons. The lack of reliable data on dog bites further complicated the situation, while judicial questions about 'cruelty to humans' overlooked the fundamental nature of animal behavior as instinctive rather than intentionally cruel.
Broader Implications for Public Trust
These examples highlight a pattern where institutions address relatively minor issues with enthusiasm while overlooking more serious, perennial problems affecting larger populations. The inconsistency in applying fairness and justice tests to policies and orders raises fundamental questions about institutional priorities.
Environmental negligence in fragile ecosystems like the Himalayas represents another area where institutional failures have amplified vulnerabilities for millions of humans and animals. The contrast between vigorous action on some fronts and neglect on others suggests a need for transparent review of institutional protocols and decision-making processes.
As mental health challenges continue to mount across India, particularly among Gen Z populations facing political and environmental uncertainties, the role of institutions in either mitigating or exacerbating anxiety cannot be overstated. The creation of a broader environment of trust requires consistent, transparent, and well-communicated actions from all institutions wielding power over public well-being.
