Page 116 - Sanidhya 2024

Mind the Gap: How Generational Differences Shape
Indian Women’s Mental Health

India has undergone a rapid socio-economic cognitive health issues with stigma
transformation over the last few decades, which has made many not seek help and
affected its cultural, family and social structures. mental health issues were seen
For Indian women, this has brought opportunities, as private family matters rather
challenges and in unique ways, affected their mental than personal health issues.
health across generations. The generational gap This approach left older women
between women who grew up with traditional isolated, depressed and anxious,
values and those who have been exposed to modern especially in their later years
globalised values creates complex tensions that can when they may face issues like Praneeta Jha
impact mental health. This article will look into how widowhood, health problems W/o Deepak Kumar, IPS,
these differences manifest and impact the mental or estrangement from family. ADG (Trg)
health of Indian women. Many women of older generations internalized the
societal expectation of silence, resilience and sacrifice.
In Indian society there has always been a clear This “keep quiet and bear it” mentality has left a
divide between roles of men and women, women were lasting impact, according to the National Institute of
Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS, 2023)
nearly 40% of older Indian women report symptoms of
depression but rarely seek help due to stigma.

The younger generation of Indian women
grew up in a more open and diverse environment
where mental health discussions are slowly gaining
acceptance. With access to education, career
opportunities and social media, young women today
are more likely to talk about mental health issues like
stress, anxiety and depression especially related to
work-life balance. But these young women face unique
stressors: navigating traditional family expectations
along with modern aspirations and social comparison
on social media. A 2023 survey by the Indian Council
of Medical Research (ICMR) found that 34% of young
Indian women experience anxiety disorders mostly due
expected to put family over personal to societal pressures and body image issues.
aspirations. The earlier generations of women were
largely defined by their adherence to these roles and In Indian culture community, family and
valued domesticity, duty and family harmony. However, societal roles are paramount. Women are expected to
the younger generation of women are embracing fit into the norms of marriage, family and caregiving
autonomy, education and professional aspirations. roles regardless of what they want. This puts a lot
This shift is due to India’s economic growth, access of pressure on mental health as women of all ages
to education and rise in awareness around gender struggle to live up to these expectations. Being the
equality. The generational gap between these “perfect daughter”, “ideal wife” or “sacrificing mother”
perspectives can create stress and internal conflicts can manifest in various mental health issues like
for women of all ages. Older women may not be anxiety, low self-esteem and depression.
able to understand and accept the ambitions and
choices of younger women, who may feel burdened Younger women who want more
by expectations they don’t want to fulfil. This clash independence and self-expression face a “double
between the generations can create feelings of guilt, bind” where they are caught between honouring
shame, inadequacy and impact mental health. traditional expectations and pursuing their personal
goals. For instance, the pressure to get married early
For older Indian women mental health was or have children can be stressful and anxiety-inducing
never a priority. The cultural tendency to associate especially for those who want to delay marriage
116