Mpower engaged with an estimated 2.83 lakh men over the review period, with the largest segment being young men between 18 and 25 years

Mpower, an initiative of the Aditya Birla Education Trust, has released a consolidated analysis of five years of data from its helpline, counselling ecosystem and youth outreach programmes, highlighting a steady rise in mental health challenges experienced by Indian men. The findings show that more men are reaching out for help than ever before, yet the emotional strain they carry continues to intensify, particularly among younger and working-age groups.

Across all service verticals and outreach channels, Mpower engaged with an estimated 2.83 lakh men over the review period, with the largest segment being young men between 18 and 25 years. Youth-focussed programmes alone reached around 2,07,350 young men through screenings, early-intervention initiatives, campus engagements, community projects and multi-city outreach efforts. This indicates not only high vulnerability within this age group but also greater receptiveness to mental health conversations when support is made accessible at educational and community touchpoints.

For working-age men between 26 and 40 years, help-seeking behaviour was most visible on the 24×7 Mpower 1on1 helpline, which recorded 75,702 male callers between 2022 and 2025. Many of these callers reached out anonymously, reflecting the hesitation men often feel about approaching in-person services due to stigma or fear of judgment. Of these calls, 16,698 were specifically linked to relationship issues, depression and stress, indicating that emotional strain, interpersonal conflict and mood-related concerns remain the most prominent triggers for seeking support. Encouragingly, 40 per cent of male callers reported feeling a reduction in stress by the end of the call, demonstrating the tangible value of immediate, empathetic intervention.

Geographically, urban and semi-urban regions showed strong engagement, with Pune accounting for 1,13,435 young male beneficiaries and Mumbai engaging 53,657 young men through clinical services, outreach and youth initiatives. Other regions including Rajasthan, Delhi, Bangalore, Goa and Hyderabad collectively contributed over 40,000 additional young male engagements, reflecting a broad, national footprint of mental health needs across diverse communities.

The most common mental health challenges reflected across Mpower’s helpline and programme interactions include stress, burnout, depression, anxiety, relationship distress, academic pressure, family conflict, low self-esteem, loneliness and financial uncertainty. Many men expressed difficulty sharing their emotional struggles openly and frequently described coping by suppressing feelings, withdrawing socially or over-focusing on work. Some also reported resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance use. These behavioural patterns underline the cultural and social expectations that continue to discourage men from acknowledging or expressing distress.

Parveen Shaikh, President, Mpower, said, “Men continue to shoulder an enormous emotional burden, often silently. Our data shows that when men do reach out, the relief is immediate and meaningful. In our clinical practice, we increasingly see men turning to gaming as a way to cope with stress, which may offer a temporary distraction but can also lead to unhealthy patterns and gaming addiction if left unaddressed. We must especially focus on our young men, encouraging them to seek support early rather than internalising pressure. Culturally, boys and men are taught to be ‘strong’, but seeking help is not a weakness — it is a strength that empowers you to understand yourself better, manage stress healthier, and achieve more in life. This Men’s Mental Health Day, our message is simple: you don’t have to carry your struggles alone. Support is available, confidential, and free of judgment.”