A psychological therapeutic approach called logotherapy offers a solution to combat the underlying causes of boredom, hopelessness, depression, and the loss of the will to live. By helping individuals appreciate their lives, obtain emotional relief, and discover meaning and purpose, logotherapy provides a valuable tool for personal growth and well-being. Life meaning, as defined by Frankl (1988), involves being aware of overarching goals that lend purpose to daily activities and serve as a primary source of human motivation.

Frankl (2006) emphasized the universal human drive to find meaning in life, linking its absence to boredom, hopelessness, sadness, and the loss of the will to live. Yalom (1980) further argued that a life lacking existential significance can lead to deep disappointment and severe despair. Frankl (2006) identified the loss of purpose in life as the most challenging psychological issue faced by individuals in the modern world. In response, he established logotherapy as a treatment method to overcome this formidable obstacle.

Depression affects people across all communities worldwide and contributes significantly to the global burden of psychological distress (WHO 2012). Its symptoms include low energy, feelings of shame or low self-worth, depressed mood, disrupted sleep and appetite, and difficulty concentrating (WHO 2012). A World Mental Health Survey conducted in 17 countries revealed that nearly 1 in 20 individuals reported experiencing an episode of depression in the previous year, estimating the current number of affected individuals to be around 350 million (WHO 2012).

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Depression can stem from various contributing factors such as physiological imbalances, environmental stressors, interpersonal issues, intrapersonal challenges, or a lack of meaning in one’s life, among others (Allen-Meares 1995). College years are often when depression first manifests, and unfortunately, many depressed students fail to receive the necessary support. Some may be unaware of where to seek help, while others may doubt the efficacy of treatment. Additionally, societal stigma or the belief that symptoms are merely a result of normal college stress can deter individuals from seeking assistance.

During this phase of life, college students typically develop their self-identity and seek meaning and purpose. However, the absence of such purpose can lead to a loss of confidence, depression, and a sense of meaninglessness (Frankl 1988). India, in particular, has witnessed a concerning rise in depression among young adults. According to the United Nations, youth refers to individuals aged 15 to 24, comprising 10% of India’s population. Recent studies indicate that depression prevalence rates among young people in India range from 31% to 57% and are increasing (India Today). UNICEF reports that one in seven young people in India between 15 and 24 years old expresses little interest in activities, indicating a high prevalence of mental illness.

Tragically, in Ladakh, the youth are currently facing a profound sense of hopelessness, depression, and a loss of purpose, leading some to engage in detrimental activities such as substance abuse. These negative experiences erode their confidence and sense of meaning, leaving them feeling hollow inside. As Benjamin Franklin aptly stated, “Some people die at 25 and aren’t buried until 75.”

Amidst the darkness, hope and despair exist as two sides of the same coin. While hope can bring abundance, despair can lead one to a path of nowhere. Everyone encounters extremely challenging times in life, and it becomes crucial to seek out rays of light before the situation worsens. Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning” delves into logotherapy, where “logo” signifies purpose or meaning, and “therapy” embodies the purpose of life.

Curiosity about life’s purpose drives our existence. Frankl emphasizes that under the right circumstances, we can weather any storm, drawing inspiration from our past experiences. The motivation to discover “why” we live can endure in any situation. By performing good deeds, experiencing new things, connecting with others, or changing our perspective on inevitable suffering, we can find meaning in life. Often, our understanding of life’s meaning arises from three tragedies: (i) the tragedy of pain and suffering, which allows us to learn and find meaning within it; (ii) the tragedy of guilt, which can be overcome by accepting responsibility for our actions; and (iii) the tragedy of death, which can be transcended by living our lives as if it were the second time, learning from our past mistakes.

Although there have been limited studies on the application of group logotherapy among university students, particularly concerning depression and meaning in life, it is imperative that more community mental health centers in India offer logotherapy as a valuable treatment option.