Yoga, A Vital Tool To Address Rising Mental Health Concerns Among Youth, Say Experts

At a time when anxiety, depression, and emotional stress—compounded by rising digital toxicity, excessive screen time, and substance abuse—are taking a growing toll on the youth, experts are increasingly calling for holistic approaches such as yoga to address the crisis.

“A significant proportion of adolescents globally, as in India, are experiencing mental health issues, often without adequate support systems,” experts observed, underlining the urgency for preventive strategies, particularly yoga, at the international seminar on “YUVA YOGA – Yoga & Youth,” held recently at Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (SBV), Puducherry.

The seminar, which was organised as part of the run-up to the International Day of Yoga slated for June 21, brought together experts from India and abroad to deliberate how today’s youth are navigating an environment far more complex than that of previous generations. Academic pressure, excessive social media engagement, and emotional isolation are contributing to rising stress levels, the experts noted, while at the same time suggesting practices such as pranayama, meditation, and mindful awareness as simple yet effective tools to manage stress and enhance emotional balance.

Delivering the inaugural address, Dr. A. Rajendra Kumar (CCRS, Ministry of AYUSH) appreciated SBV’s integrative approach and noted that “the integration of traditional yogic wisdom with modern healthcare is essential to address the rising burden of stress-related disorders among youth.”

The scientific basis of yoga also featured prominently in the discussions. The experts pointed out that regular practice helps regulate stress responses, improve concentration, and enhance psycho-physiological resilience, making it particularly relevant in addressing modern lifestyle-related mental health challenges.

“Yoga fosters self-awareness, emotional regulation, and inner contentment, offering a healthier alternative to harmful habits,” they noted, adding that it reduces dependency on external stimulants by building inner resilience.

The discussions also examined how lifestyle changes, digital exposure, and social pressures are reshaping the mental well-being of youth.

“Yogic practices such as mindful breathing and meditation provide powerful tools for digital detox, helping young minds regain focus and emotional stability,” said Dr. Ingunn Hagen, Professor of Psychology, NTNU, Norway.

The discussions further addressed the alarming rise in suicidal ideation among young people. Speakers were of the view that yoga can play a supportive role in suicide prevention by strengthening emotional resilience and fostering a sense of purpose.

“Practices that cultivate calmness and self-reflection help young individuals navigate difficult emotional states,” the experts said.

“By enhancing self-awareness and inner strength, yoga provides a positive pathway for youth, helping prevent substance abuse and even suicidal tendencies,” said Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Director, ISCM, SBV.

Stressing the idea of catching them young, there was also a strong call to integrate yoga into educational institutions. Panel discussions emphasised that structured yoga programmes should be included in school and college curricula, not merely as physical activity but as a vital tool for mental well-being.

The seminar reinforced the idea that addressing youth mental health requires a multi-dimensional approach. While medical and psychological interventions remain important, preventive strategies such as yoga can play a crucial complementary role, the experts noted, calling for a broader shift—from treating illness to promoting well-being. Yoga, with its emphasis on balance, awareness, and self-regulation, is increasingly being recognised as a practical and accessible solution, they said.

Highlighting the broader significance of yoga, Dr. Balakrishna P. Shetty, Vice-Chancellor of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, remarked, “Yoga is not merely a practice but a way of life that can create a healthier academic ecosystem and empower youth to face challenges with clarity and balance.”

The keynote address by Prof. Madanmohan, who is well known for integrating yoga into medical practice and is the Founding Director of the Center for Yoga Therapy, Education, and Research (CYTER) at SBV, emphasized yoga’s scientific relevance, particularly in regulating stress and enhancing psycho-physiological resilience, while Maa Hansaji, Yogacharya Sridharan, and Subodh Tiwari of the Indian Yoga Association felicitated the event through their virtual presence.

Dr. Stephen Parker, a licensed psychologist and senior guide in the Himalayan Yoga Tradition, USA, emphasised that true yoga empowerment for youth lies in cultivating a compassionate “Prasadana” heart and a character-driven presence. “People don’t remember what you tell them. They remember how you were with them. They remember your heart,” said he.

Another panel discussion on “Promoting Wellness in Youth” brought together academic leaders, including Dr. Punitha Josephine, Dr. Uma A.N., Dr. Shanmuganathan, Dr. Kannan, Dr. A. Santha Devy, Dr. N. Venkatesan, and Dr. R. Dhamodharan, who stressed the need to integrate yoga into educational systems.

The event was organized by the School of Yoga Therapy, Institute of Salutogenesis and Complementary Medicine (ISCM), SBV, in collaboration with the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), Ministry of AYUSH.