New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): A recent study has found that community-based anti-stigma programmes, along with a digital mental health support tool, have helped reduce risks of depression, self-harm, and suicide among adolescents living in urban slum areas.
The research covered 60 slum clusters across New Delhi and Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, focusing on improving awareness and access to mental health care for vulnerable teenagers.
India has one of the largest adolescent populations in the world, and a significant share of young people face mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, according to global health estimates.
Researchers observed that adolescents in urban slums are particularly at risk due to factors such as poverty, low awareness about mental health, and limited access to professional support services.
The study suggests that combining community outreach efforts with digital tools can help strengthen mental health support systems in underserved communities.
