Sindhu Ravindranath is a dedicated academic and entrepreneur, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at IBS Hyderabad since 2016. She is pursuing a PhD at ICFAI University, Jaipur, with a focus on building trust for intelligent agents in health communication, particularly in South India. With an MBA in HR & Marketing from Bharathiyar University (1999) and a B.A. in English Literature from Union Christian College (1996), Sindhu has a rich academic background. Her professional journey includes roles as Assistant Professor at Sphoorthy Engineering College (2014–2015), Manager HR at ICFAI (2008–2010), and consultant for i-manager Training Solutions and Encad, Middle East. An entrepreneur at heart, she founded Aardra Inc in 2012 and co-founded Kays International LLC in Oman in 2005, showcasing her passion for innovation and leadership.
Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health – Are we on the right path to sustainable mental wellbeing with AI support? An exploration for sustainable support system and policies development
Abstract
The increasing absence of parental involvement in children's lives has contributed to a growing epidemic of loneliness, depression, anxiety, and suicide among young individuals. A tragic case in India, where a father, burdened by concerns about his children’s future, took their lives and his own, underscores this crisis. Despite living in an age of unparalleled access to information and global connectivity, young adults struggle with mental health issues driven by isolation. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into daily life has added complexity to this landscape. Entry-level jobs, often essential for career beginnings, are being automated, leading to concerns about employment and stability. Furthermore, AI-powered chatbots increasingly replace human interactions, raising questions about their emotional and psychological impact on vulnerable youth (News Medical, 2025). AI's potential in mental health support is a dual-edged sword. It offers a safe and accessible platform for individuals to share emotions, and studies suggest chatbots can provide short-term relief for symptoms of anxiety and depression through cognitive-behavioral techniques (Kumar & Das, 2025). However, reliance on AI could exacerbate feelings of loneliness and isolation. The healthcare system post-COVID has faced rapid disease progression, a surge in terminal cases, and weakened mental and physical constitutions. The absence of AI mental health tools during the pandemic left many without support. Questions arise: Could chatbots have mitigated depression and anxiety during the crisis? How far can AI go as a caregiver or counselor? While promising, its long-term effectiveness and ethical implications require exploration. Policymaking for AI's role in mental well-being is crucial as its presence grows.