Over the past decade, anxiety disorders in India have become a growing concern. Anxiety is no longer limited to one age group. Students, working adults, parents, and older adults are all experiencing stress, fear, panic, overthinking, and emotional overwhelm in different ways.
Did you know? Anxiety disorders are among the common mental health concerns in India.
A Lancet Psychiatry study estimated that 44.9 million people in India were living with anxiety disorders in 2017, while the WHO reports that India carries a significant mental health burden of 2443 DALYs per 100,000 population.
But why are more people struggling with anxiety today? Are there common pressures affecting us all? Can anxiety be managed with the right support? Let’s find out.
People Also Ask
What are the average fees for individual anxiety counselling sessions?
Counselling sessions for individual anxiety at Talk n Share start at ₹1,800 for a 60-minute session. Anxiety counselling fees in India may vary based on therapist, city, experience and session format. Couples counselling is also available at ₹2,500 for 90 minutes.
When should I see a counsellor for anxiety?
You should see a counsellor for anxiety when persistent worry, fear, panic, sleep difficulties, overthinking or physical symptoms begin to impact your work, studies, relationships, confidence or daily routine. Getting support early can help you manage symptoms before they become more difficult.
What are anxiety disorders?
Anxiety disorders are simply a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive fear, worry, and behavioral disturbances. The feeling of worry can be even for simple tasks, like when your order will be delivered, or very important life decisions like choosing your life partner. Different people have unique concerns, and anxiety can easily grasp anyone feeling lonely and sad. In many cases, even seemingly happy people with a well-to-do life suffer from anxiety. Anxiety counselling in Rohini offers professional guidance to manage anxiety and restore emotional balance.
These include:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Specific Phobias
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
According to the WHO, India carries a significant mental health burden, and national studies show that many people still do not receive timely support for mental health conditions.
Which factors are contributing to alarming anxiety?
There are tons of reasons that are affecting people’s thought processes, and pinpointing the exact one for a person can be challenging. However, some of the general reasons affecting people are as follows:
Academic Pressure: Intense competition for limited seats in higher education and professional courses can cause immense stress among students. Academic pressure is one of the prime reasons affecting mental health in India among youth.
Digital Overstimulation: An ongoing constant exposure to news and social media pressures is troublesome for many. People often feel blurred personal and professional life boundaries contribute to a heightened sense of anxiety.
Decline in Social Interaction: Despite being “connected” digitally, people are failing to gain real-life social interaction. This further leads to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can exacerbate anxiety. In fact, lack of social interaction is among the leading causes behind rising anxiety disorders in India.
Intolerance for Discomfort: The increasing demand for instant gratification and the fear of missing out can lead to a reduction in emotional resilience and heightened anxiety.
Socioeconomic Factors: India is a nation with very deep socioeconomic differences among the society. On one side, we have some of the richest people in the world in India, and on the other, we have people committing suicide due to hunger, financial issues, etc. Poverty, unemployment and financial strain also add to anxiety and stress.
Mental Health Stigma: While awareness is increasing, fear of judgment and stigma still make it hard for people to seek help for anxiety. This creates a significant treatment gap and further increases the percentage of people suffering from anxiety disorders in India.
Anxiety is real, and it’s often rooted in pressures we silently carry every day.
Talking to a professional can make a huge difference.
Speak to CounsellorWhat You Can Do Personally for Yourself or Help Someone You Know – Coping with Anxiety
While anxiety disorders require professional treatment in many cases, lifestyle changes and self-care can play a huge role in managing symptoms. Here’s how:
1. Seek Professional Help
Do not shy away from consulting a psychologist or psychiatrist as it is the first step. Therapy methods, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), have been proven to be effective for anxiety disorders. Mental health counselling in Delhi can help you learn and master skills to combat anxiety and depression.
Dr. Sangeeta Gupta, Psychologist & Founder, Talk n Share Says “ Anxiety doesn’t mean you are weak. It means you’ve been carrying something heavy for too long without the right support. Reaching out is not a sign of failure; it’s the first real step towards feeling like yourself again.”
2. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Deep breathing, guided meditation, and yoga are some practices that can help calm the mind and reduce anxiety . Mental health apps and traditional practices are gaining traction in urban India.
3. Limit Screen Time and Social Media Use
Disconnect often to combat digital fatigue. Set limits on your phone and social media apps. Curating your digital experience by unfollowing accounts that trigger you can make a surprising difference.
4. Stay Physically Active
Exercise is a powerful natural anxiety-buster. Just 30 minutes of walking a day can lower stress hormones and raise endorphins. Swimming, running, exercising etc. are also good for mental well-being.
5. Maintain a Healthy Diet and Sleep Routine
Cut back on caffeine and sugar, which can set off anxiety. Eat regular meals and get 7-8 hours of sleep per night. A tired brain is more prone to anxiety and emotional instability.
6. Talk About It
Sharing your feelings with your trusted friends/family members can be incredibly therapeutic. Try to indulge in a support group or mental health forum online to connect with others suffering from similar challenges. You’re not alone.
If you are based in Rohini, Pitampura, Punjabi Bagh, North Delhi, or nearby Delhi NCR areas, Talk n Share offers individual anxiety counselling both online and offline. Sessions are conducted by an experienced psychologist in a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental setting.
Conclusion
The rising prevalence of anxiety disorders in India is a serious issue that requires a multi-pronged approach involving individual actions, professional support, and societal changes. By addressing the contributing factors and promoting mental health awareness, individuals can better manage their anxiety and improve their overall well-being.
AT Talk n Share, we provide psychotherapy sessions with a certified and experienced psychologist.
If you’ve been thinking about anxiety counselling, this may be the right time to take that first step. Contact us today for a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the early signs of anxiety disorder in India?
Early symptoms include persistent worry, restlessness, concentration problems, disturbed sleep and physical symptoms like a racing heart or tight chest. If these symptoms last for more than two weeks and interfere with your life, it is recommended to see a mental health professional.
Q2. What type of counselling is best for anxiety?
CBT, mindfulness-based therapy, stress management counselling and supportive psychotherapy are commonly used to treat anxiety. A psychologist can assess symptoms and recommend the right type of help for that person.
Q3. Is online counselling effective for anxiety disorders?
Yes, online counselling for anxiety has been found to be as effective as face to face sessions for many people. It is particularly useful for those who feel uncomfortable about attending a clinic or have limited access to mental health services in their area..
Q4. How long does it take to recover from an anxiety disorder with counselling?
Recovery time varies from individual to individual. Many people experience a marked improvement after 8 to 12 sessions of CBT or structured counselling. Milder forms of anxiety tend to respond more quickly, whereas more chronic or complex cases may require longer term support.
