Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Global Mental Health Crisis Linked to Mistrust and Uncertainties
Many people around the world feel sad or worried a lot, with depression and anxiety being common problems.
Things like using social media too much and not knowing what will happen in the future, like with jobs or the environment, make these feelings worse, especially for young people.
People also don't trust important groups like the government or the news as much anymore.
Sometimes, decisions made by these groups, like how they handled fireworks during bad air quality or the problem of stray dogs, add to people's worries.
It's important that these institutions act fairly and thoughtfully so everyone feels more secure and less anxious.
One in six individuals globally lives with a mental disorder, with depression and anxiety being major contributors.
Social media use and political/environmental uncertainties exacerbate mental health issues, particularly among Gen Z.
Mistrust in institutions like governments, judiciary, and media contributes to growing anxiety and depression.
Examples of mismanagement of cracker use and stray dogs issue in Delhi compounded uncertainties and anxiety.
Inconsistent application of fairness and justice in addressing societal issues may amplify anxiety.
- Who
- Individuals globally, with a focus on Gen Z in India
- What
- Experiencing a mental health crisis marked by increased depression and anxiety, exacerbated by global and local uncertainties and a decline in institutional trust.
- When
- Currently, with increasing trends over time.
- Where
- Globally, with specific examples from Delhi and India.
- Why
- Due to a combination of factors including social media use, political and environmental uncertainties, mistrust in institutions, and perceived mismanagement of societal issues.
Public Health and Environmental Advocates
Celebration and Public Order Advocates
Cracker Use During Poor Air Quality
Public Health and Environmental Advocates
Restrict or ban fireworks to protect air quality and public health, especially in polluted areas.
Celebration and Public Order Advocates
Allow fireworks for cultural celebrations, with inadequate or unverified 'green' alternatives being acceptable.
Stray Dog Management
Public Health and Environmental Advocates
Implement humane, implementable solutions that address the trauma dogs may experience in human-dominated spaces.
Celebration and Public Order Advocates
Prioritize the removal of stray dogs from public spaces for safety and cleanliness, focusing on human concerns over animal welfare.
- Mental Disorders Prevalence
- One in six or seven individuals globally
- Major Contributors to Disability
- Depressive and anxiety disorders
- Annual Productivity Losses (Mental Disorders)
- Over $1 trillion globally
- Trust in Employers (Edelman 2025)
- Declining globally
- Low Trust Institutions
- Governments, judiciary, news media, workplaces