Published May 02, 2026 | 2:14 PM ⚊ Updated May 02, 2026 | 2:14 PM
Representative Image. (iStock)
Synopsis: With the counting of votes for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election scheduled for May 4, mental health professionals are raising concerns about the emotional impact of the results on children and young people. A 24-hour helpline is set to be launched to offer free counselling, amid growing evidence of low political awareness and heightened emotional investment among Gen Z voters.
The counting of votes for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election, which concluded on 23 April, is scheduled to take place on 4 May. Even before the results are declared, this polling is being seen as one of the most closely watched in recent times.
One key reason is that beyond policies and ideological debates, this election has been shaped significantly by personal loyalties and strong emotional preferences towards individual leaders. In recent days, social media has been flooded with videos of children and young people urging, and in some cases emotionally pressuring, their parents to vote for leaders they support.
Against this backdrop, concerns are being raised about the potential mental health impact once the results are announced. Anticipating that many children and young people could experience stress and emotional distress, a mental health service organisation, Thulir Mental Health Lab, is set to launch a 24-hour telephone helpline to offer free counselling services on 4 May and in the days that follow.
The organisation said that anyone experiencing anxiety, emotional distress, or psychological pressure due to election outcomes can reach out to the helpline for support.
Also Read: What district-wise polling data says about Tamil Nadu’s ‘historic’ turnout
In addition, Thulir Mental Health Lab recently conducted a qualitative study titled “Political Literacy and Social Disownment among Gen Z.” As part of this research, the organisation carried out in-depth interviews with children and young people over the past few months, continuing up to April.
Speaking about the findings, the organisation’s founder and psychologist, Sanchi, said, “Around 90 percent of the young people we interviewed did not even know what the SIR (Special Intensive Revision) was. A large number of them lack basic political awareness. Some even bought new clothes and went to polling booths on election day, only to realise they were not eligible to vote. We encountered many such cases.”
Sanchi noted that a lack of political awareness and understanding has affected the voting behaviour and participation of many young people in this election.
She further warned that the announcement of results on 4 May could have a serious emotional impact, particularly if the candidates or leaders young people strongly support do not win.
“We expect that many children and young people may feel upset or even experience emotional breakdowns on 4 May,” she said.
She added that children, especially those deeply invested in an idealised perception of political leaders, may struggle to accept electoral defeat.
“If the leader they support loses, they may perceive it as a form of rejection, which can have a significant psychological impact. In such situations, if parents find it difficult to support them, they can reach out to us, we will provide whatever help we can,” Sanchi said.
Currently, more than five mental health professionals are working as part of this initiative alongside Sanchi. She also noted that the service is being carried out with guidance from academic experts and professionals in the field.
