Why Most Indians Shy Away From Therapy Even As Mental‑Health Worries Grow

When you ask a random Indian whether mental‑health problems are on the rise, you’ll probably get a nod. The recent "अ‑Nishchit Index 2.0" survey confirms that about 81% of respondents see the issue swelling across the country.

But here’s the twist – almost the same number, roughly 80%, say they would think twice, or outright refuse, to walk into a therapist’s office. The gap between knowing there’s a problem and actually getting help is wider than many expected.

The study, commissioned by Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance and fielded by Drshti Strategic Research Services, covered 3,583 adults aged 22‑60 in 20 cities between July and October 2025. It was released just before World Mental Health Day, making the findings feel especially timely.

Regional shades of reluctance

East India tops the list – a full quarter of respondents from the region said they’d hesitate to see a counsellor. The North follows at 22%, the West at 21%, and the South fares best with only 14% expressing hesitation.

Interestingly, the East also registers the highest level of worry about mental‑health prevalence – 26% of people there say they’re concerned about the issue growing. Whether it’s the lingering social stigma, a lack of nearby services, or simply the cost of therapy, the survey doesn’t pinpoint a single cause. It does, however, hint that cultural nuances play a big part.

Men, women and the anxiety divide

Gender differences add another layer. In the East, 27% of men admit they’d be reluctant to approach a therapist, compared with 24% of women. Flip the map to the North and West, and you find the opposite – women are a little more anxious about the rising tide of mental‑health problems (25% versus 22% of men).

These patterns suggest that any outreach effort must be tailored – what works for a woman in Delhi might not resonate with a man in Kolkata.

Parents fear for the next generation

It isn’t just adults worrying about themselves. About a quarter of parents in East India confessed they’re uneasy about their kids’ ability to cope with setbacks, compared with a 21% national average. That parental anxiety could be a catalyst for future demand for school‑based counselling, if the right policies are in place.

What the numbers really tell us

Kamlesh Rao, MD and CEO of ABSLI, says the data underscores that “protection is more than financial cover.” He wants asking for help to become as normal as buying a grocery item.

Amit Gupta, CFO of the Aditya Birla Education Trust, points out that recognizing a problem and knowing when to seek professional help are two very different mental steps. He stresses that mental‑health literacy needs to start early, woven into school curricula rather than being an after‑thought for adults.

To bridge the gap, ABSLI and its partner Mpower are already offering two complimentary grief‑counselling sessions to eligible nominees of a deceased policyholder. It’s a modest start, but it shows that insurers can play a role beyond payouts.

Ultimately, the survey reminds us that awareness alone isn’t enough. The real challenge lies in dismantling stigma, making therapy affordable, and ensuring services are within easy reach. Until those pieces fall into place, the chasm between concern and care will likely persist.