From Stigma to Strength: A Soldier's Perspective on Mental Health Challenges of Adolescents and Youth

सार

This research paper explores adolescent and youth mental health challenges through the lens of a soldier’s perspective, emphasizing the values of resilience, camaraderie, and collective action derived from military service. The paper argues for a paradigm shift from stigma to strength, drawing parallels between the silent battles fought by soldiers on the frontlines and the internal struggles faced by young people in contemporary society. Reviewing global and Indian literature on adolescent mental health, the study highlights stigma, family disintegration, academic pressures, and digital stress as key challenges. It also draws from military psychology to suggest resilience-building, purpose-driven engagement, and community support as protective factors. Recommendations include institutional reforms, integration of mental health literacy in curricula, leveraging technology positively, and strengthening community support systems. The paper concludes that true strength lies not in suppressing vulnerability but in confronting it with courage, empathy, and collective responsibility. The analysis spans multiple levels - individual, family, institutional, and societal—providing a comprehensive roadmap for addressing one of the defining challenges of our time.