Mental Health Lessons from India’s Happy Centenarians

Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn and work well, and contribute to their community. It has intrinsic and instrumental value and is a basic human right. (WHO, 2025).

Mental health has become a big global challenge. Around 1 in every 8 people i.e. more than 1 billion people are living with mental health disorders (WHO, 2025). A 2025 UNICEF / Youth Mental Health Coalition release indicates that 4 in 10 Gen Z youth feel stigma in school or workplace settings, and 4 in 10 feel they needed mental health help. The economic impact of mental health disorders is staggering. While health-care costs are substantial, the indirect costs – particularly in lost productivity – are far greater. Depression and anxiety alone cost the global economy an estimated US$ 1 trillion each year. (WHO, 2025). However, the response and preparedness to fight mental health issues is far less than desired. On average, countries dedicate just 2% of their health budgets to mental health.

Starting from 1992, October 10 is celebrated as World Mental Health Day started by The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH). The World Health Organization (WHO) started supporting it officially from 1994. Its purpose is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

Happiness is an essential, simple and effective solution for keeping a good mental health. In the study The Indian Practice of Happiness: Secrets from Centenarians based on happy centenarians, choosing and keeping a happy mind came as one of the seven important factors in the HARMONY of Happiness formula for happiness.

Happiness has many benefits including good mental health. What are we waiting for. Let’s learn from our happy centenarians and make happiness part of our daily life. We need to start the happiness journey now, from today!