Some studies indicate that individuals belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs) tend to have worse mental health and experience depression and anxiety to a greater degree, though the studies differ in terms of how the data is collected and the cause of these observations cannot be determined from the studies. This information sheet presents the implications of caste-based discrimination for depression and anxiety, other studies that document caste based trauma, some of the limitations of the research, and offers resources for mental health. It does not offer professional medical advice. If you are feeling helpless or hopeless, talk to a medical professional or trusted person. This information is not meant to replace professional advice.
Implications of research
Studies in ‘Frontiers in Psychology’ and other sources have documented that individuals in lower castes tend to report higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to individuals in higher castes. A different study (Mathias and others, 2015) in the Uttarakhand region of India found that participants in the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (STs) of the population reported higher levels of depression compared to individuals in higher castes.
A 2020 study in Population Research and Policy Review used data from the World Health Organization surveys on elderly care and identified that mental health of the Scheduled Castes is worse than that of the upper-castes (and not the other way round) despite considering their educational and economic status (Gupta and Coffey, 2020, as reported by Outlook; Frontiers in Psychology). Respondents from the Scheduled Castes also reported higher levels of anxiety in the last month (Frontiers in Psychology). Caste discrimination and its effects on health are discussed below.
Everyday discrimination
The Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (2017-19) reported that everyday discrimination was associated with higher depressive symptoms and was reported to be stronger than other variables in the study (Social Indicators Research, “Safer among their own Caste?”). In another study, based on the same survey, Scheduled Tribe women and Other Backward Caste women and men reported that higher discrimination was associated with depression and the findings were reported to be statistically significant (Thakkar and Oh, 2026). These reports suggest that several factors need to be taken into account for determining the impact of discrimination on caste-related inequalities in health. Our report on the existence of untouchability, also touches upon measurement of various forms of caste discrimination in India.
What researchers mean by ‘caste trauma’
Researchers refer to ‘caste trauma’ when referring to the psychological consequences of persistent social discrimination and exclusion, and stigma, and note that this can lead to post-traumatic stress conditions, anxiety and depression among members of the Adivasi and Dalit communities. This is referenced in a review on the clinical impact of trauma based on the Dalit condition. This review also notes that internalized notions of Dalit condition and social exclusion lead to negative self-concept, and emotional instability among members of the Dalit community, and notes that in some cases these negative feelings are expressed through violent acts. This review also notes that in some cases these feelings of social exclusion are passed on from one generation to the other, and that there is scant evidence to support this. Soundararajan also refers to ‘caste trauma’ and notes that social exclusion based on the Dalit condition results in psychological trauma. This condition is in turn transformed into physical and verbal violence.
Mental health of Dalits and access to care
A research study on health care and the condition of Dalits in South Asia, noted four major conditions. These are, perceived health issues and social welfare discrimination, social exclusion, social discrimination and poverty. The report also states that Dalit women experience double discrimination, and that patriarchal social systems further aggravate discrimination against women. For more information, see our report on Dalit women.
Studies on Dalits in Nepal document higher cases of depression and anxiety and said stigma on mental health results in Dalits being ostracized from their families (Study on Mental Health of Dalits in Nepal, Research Gate). Komanapalli and Rao (2020) in their study about the absence of Caste in mental health policies and practices in India, argue mental health policies and practices remain oblivious to Caste and in the process prove detrimental to Dalits. In fact, these policies and mental health practices deny and remain blind to Caste discrimination and arbitrary acts against Dalits (Komanapalli and Rao, 2020). Choudhary (2024) analyzed the double burden of Caste and class on the members of the Scheduled Castes and writes about the psychological distress of the Scheduled Castes due to the stigma of poverty and Caste. The post on Caste and Orientation on this blog covers students of Indian origin studying and living outside of India.
What the research cannot prove
Many of the researches are surveys and cannot measure causation. Hence, the conclusion of the studies is at best, an association.
- Difference in culture. If the consequences of mental distress is measured differently in various cultures, self-reported symptoms of mental health may give misleading results.
- Variability in samples. Different groups have been studied, and associations have been reported.
- Limited generalizability of research. Most of the studies are local and district-level studies.
- Studies of the Indian diaspora. I was unable to locate published studies to validate my claims regarding the Indian diaspora and mental health.
Takeaway
Research shows there is a connection between caste and mental health. One example shows that Scheduled Caste adults report lower mental health and higher symptoms of depression and anxiety. Researchers have called these symptoms of depression and anxiety, caused by discrimination and social inequalities based on caste, “caste trauma.” Other research shows the psychological effects of untouchability and caste-based discrimination, and identifies post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety as other potential consequences of these inequalities. Many of these mental health conditions also show intergenerational effects. Overall, many of these studies illustrate mental health conditions associated with caste discrimination and suggest that these mental conditions may be long-term or chronic conditions. While additional research is needed to fully understand these effects and conditions, health care professionals may want to consider these effects when treating members of these social groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between caste and mental health?
Reports show that adults in the Scheduled Castes experience anxiety and depression at a higher rate.
What is caste trauma?
Effects of the social discrimination and stigma associated with one’s caste including depression and anxiety have been documented in the literature. Some researchers have also documented effects of untouchability, including post-traumatic stress disorder.
Can we say that discrimination leads to mental illness?
Research in India shows that people report higher symptoms of depression due to experiences of discrimination. This is true for different groups and different types of discrimination.
Is there access to mental health care for Dalit communities?
Poverty and a lack of access to health care, combined with other social factors, lead to discrimination against Dalit communities in the health care system in South Asia.
Is this resource medical care?
No. This resource provides a summary of research. If you are in need of medical care, please reach out to a doctor or other medical professional.
Understanding the issues is just the start. The time is now to take action!
Discrimination occurs in all areas of life and is reported by thousands of people across the world. Many people in the Ambedkarite community are documenting these experiences and others by using the internet. They are learning to use areas of digital marketing, such as blogging, website design and email marketing, along with other areas, such as AI and video editing. These skills are essential for people to become digitally independent and are taught in The Ambedkarite Educational Program for a one-time fee of ₹297 (~$4 USD).
You can also learn these skills for free and take part in the movement.
SOURCES
- Frontiers in Psychology, “An introduction to the basic elements of the caste system of India,” 2023
- Outlook, “Denial Of Dignity: The Psychological Toll Of India’s Caste System”
- Social Indicators Research, “Safer among their own Caste? Everyday Discrimination and Mental Health among Community-dwelling Older Adults in Rural India”
- SAGE, Thakkar and Oh, “Intersectional Social Identity, Perceived Discrimination, and Mental Health Among Older Adults in India,” 2026
- ResearchGate, “The Clinical Impact of Caste-Based Trauma”
- PMC, “Caste Exclusion and Health Discrimination in South Asia: A Systematic Review”
- PubMed, Komanapalli and Rao, “The mental health impact of caste and structural inequalities in higher education in India,” 2020
- South India Journal of Social Sciences, Choudhary, “Vicious cycle of Poverty and Mental illness,” 2024
