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Over 56% in India Report Self-Harm Thoughts Before Seeking Mental Healthcare
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CNBC TV18•14-10-2026, 09:25
Over 56% in India Report Self-Harm Thoughts Before Seeking Mental Healthcare
- •Amaha's Mental Health Report 2026 reveals that over 56 percent of individuals seeking mental healthcare in India experienced self-harm thoughts before getting professional help.
- •More than half of the respondents lived with their mental health concerns for over a year before finally reaching out for professional support, with only 11.3 percent seeking care within a month.
- •Students reported the highest rate of self-harm thoughts at 71.7 percent, followed by unemployed individuals at 64.7 percent and working professionals at 53.2 percent.
- •Anxiety was the most common concern reported by 72.1 percent of respondents, closely followed by stress, low mood, relationship difficulties, and mood swings.
- •Before seeking professional care, 82.7 percent of individuals relied on avoidant coping strategies such as excessive screen time, oversleeping, and overworking.
Key Questions Answered
According to Amaha's Mental Health Report 2026, more than 56% (specifically 56.2%) of respondents reported having thoughts of self-harm before seeking professional mental healthcare. This figure was even higher among students at 71.7% and unemployed individuals at 64.7%.
Anyone experiencing thoughts of self-harm can call Tele-MANAS, the Government of India's free helpline, at 14416 or 1-800-891-4416 at any time. In the event of an immediate emergency, individuals should call 112.
More than half of the people seeking mental healthcare in India lived with their concerns for over a year before getting professional help, with 53% reporting this specific wait time. Meanwhile, only 11.3% reached care within a month of experiencing their concerns.
