Is the Youth Relying on AI for Navigating Mental Health Issues?

"Whenever my ADHD and complex PTSD start to feel too heavy, they (AI chatbots) become a place I can turn to without hesitation," says Ayush, a 21-year-old Delhi resident. Ayush, who identifies as a non-binary person, shifted from Varanasi to Delhi for further studies. "On days when I feel mentally exhausted, lonely, or invisible, I type into ChatGPT because it’s one of the few spaces where I can express myself without fear of being judged, because it feels like a safe enough space to release what I am carrying," they say, adding, "even if it’s not human, it has mattered to me more than I expected".

India accounts for the largest world's youth population with over 380 million people between the ages of 10 and 24. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), it also highlights a concerning trend which states that a substantial number of young people in India are grappling with mental health challenges, with suicide being a leading cause of death among those aged 15-29, and mental health problems are rising among the youth. 

Amidst this, how youth are navigating their mental health issues becomes an important subject matter. "What satisfies me about ChatGPT is that it doesn’t disappear halfway through a conversation; it doesn’t make me feel like a burden. Even if it’s not human, it creates a kind of presence I wish more people practised. In moments where I have been left alone, its replies have helped me breathe a little easier and feel like I am not completely talking into a void," Ayush further shares. 

As compared to Ayush, Mumbai-based Soumya Prabhu, who uses the AI chatbots quite regularly, says that sometimes, she also uses Gemini (formerly Bard) or Snapchat’s My AI when she is already using those apps, but ChatGPT remains her "go-to". "For general questions, emotional clarity, journaling prompts, or motivational support, the responses (from the AI-chatbots) really help," says the 20-year-old. 

For Prabhu, it has become her routine. "Whether it’s for quick answers, study help, career advice, or even just organising my thoughts when I am feeling overwhelmed, it’s (using chatbots has become part of my routine."

Another Mumbai-based resident, Chaahat Mishra "feels heard" on taking help from the AI. She turns to the chatbots a few times but clarifies that it is not for "deeply emotional stuff". "Sometimes, it is for clarity on something I am feeling or just to untangle my thoughts or get a neutral perspective," the 20-year-old, who mostly uses ChatGPT citing quick, easy as reasons, says. 

Joyeeta Adhikary, the Consultant Psychologist and a Former Assistant. Professor observes, "According to today's scenario, it is true that people, especially the youth, are shifting to AI for help with mental health concerns. Many feel alone and seek assistance from AI to resolve their mental issues." 

However, the Psychologist highlights the grave concerns involved with exploring the AI chatbots for seeking mental health challenges. "AI lacks emotions and cannot provide experience-based solutions or suggestions for real-life problems. Mechanical advice may not be effective in the long run," she says, adding that people often struggle to trust others due to past experiences, echoing Ayush's sentiments.

Why not the professional help?

For people like Ayush and Prabhu, there are other reasons too for a reliance on the new-age technology. "I have to consider whether that therapist will actually understand my lived experiences as a queer, non-binary person and as a trauma survivor. In India, it is already hard to find mental health professionals, and it’s even harder to find those who are trauma-informed, queer-affirmative, caste-aware, and sensitive to multiple marginalised identities," they say. 

However, what also hinders the youth might also be financial reasons, as the young adults are either studying or just at the beginning of their career, not leaving them with an ample amount of money to be used other than sustaining their livelihood, especially in the metro cities. "The truth is, therapy is expensive and not accessible to me right now. I am not financially privileged enough to see a therapist regularly, and even when I think about saving up for a session or two," Ayush says, citing why AI became an easier tool. "Not because I believe it can replace therapy, but because it is available for free.

Similarly, while Prabhu agrees that AI can’t replace real professionals for serious mental health issues, she says that accessibility is the major factor. "Therapists are amazing and definitely needed for deeper issues, but not everyone can afford them or get appointments easily. With AI, I can just type what I’m feeling any time, and get some clarity or a different perspective instantly." "It’s not a replacement for therapy, but it's like a mental first-aid kit," she adds. 

For Chaahat Mishra, who sees it as a "supportive tool" to the therapy, says, "I usually share things with my parents and friends, but, sometimes, I don't want to burden them or I just want a neutral, instant response." "Therapy is great but it can feel intimidating, expensive or hard to access on short notice," she further says. 

So, how different and reliable are the responses?

Not just international companies experimenting with chatbots, almost every brand in India now has a chatbot, which, if nothing else, at least solves the basic queries of customers. But how different can the responses of chatbots be when it comes to sharing mental health advice, compared to that of professional help, and why do professionals warn against that?

This quest takes us to checking out what the several responses of the top popular platforms are being used for the same purposes. One being asked how to deal with multiple emotions together and what to do if life no longer interests one anymore, for instance, ChatGPT calls one mind to be running on  “low battery”, but gives vague suggestions like "trying one new food, route, or playlist" or hints at creating a "7-day spark plan". However, it does not suggest, even for once, to seek professional help. 

On the other hand, while platforms like Grok suggest seeking a therapist or counsellor, it also asks one to suggest specific journaling prompts or a breathing exercise. Meanwhile, Gemini shares a more reliable answer, comparatively, where it gives ample space to ask the user to consider professional help, other than advising to focus on "self-care".

The Mumbai-based Consultant Psychologist Adhikary, talking about the same potential issue, says, "Sometimes, difficult situations can lead to anhedonia." While she talks based on the technical studies related to such grave concerns, she, hence, warns: "While AI may offer a judgment-free space, it is crucial to be cautious. Sharing personal thoughts with AI tools like Google ChatGPT can be risky, as these conversations may be saved and potentially misused. It might be okay to use AI tools as a temporary measure, but relying on them regularly for mental health concerns is not advisable."

People in distress can call 1800-599-0019, a 24x7 Toll-Free Mental Health Rehabilitation Helpline, by DEPwD, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.