Chai Linked To Depression But Desis Are Just Happy Sipping Away: ‘Hum To Piyenge’

Despite the warning mentioned in the post, many chai lovers weren’t too impressed. (Photo Credit: Instagram)

In India, chai is like a daily ritual. People start their day with it, it also takes up space during office space and sometimes is enjoyed with friends and family. There is no doubt that this beverage keeps people going. But recently, a post on Instagram raised eyebrows by pointing out the potential health risks it can cause.

The post mentioned that the idea of frequent milk tea consumption might be linked to anxiety and depression. The caption read, “Milk tea isn’t just a global craze, it’s also been linked to mental health risks. Recent studies suggest that frequent milk tea consumption may increase chances of anxiety, depression, and other psychological symptoms.” Naturally, this caught attention because chai is such an integral part of daily life for millions.

Does Chai Really Cause Depression, Anxiety?

To study the impact of milk tea on one’s health, a team of researchers at Tsinghua University and the Central University of Finance and Economics surveyed 5,281 university students in Beijing. Their findings, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, suggested a connection between high milk tea consumption and mental health challenges.

According to the researchers, “Nearly 77 per cent of participants consumed milk tea at least 6–11 cups in the last year. We found that a higher level of milk tea addiction was significantly associated with a higher risk of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation, respectively, after controlling confounding variables, among youths consuming milk tea. The possible mediating role of milk tea addiction between loneliness feelings and mental health outcomes was further addressed.”

‘Chai Se Kaisa Depression’: Desi Reactions To The Warning

Despite the warning mentioned in the post, many chai lovers weren’t too impressed. The comment section turned into a fun place of reactions that showed just how emotional people can be about their tea.

One user commented, “But our chai habit is pure happiness.”

Another said, “Family mein beth kar pete hain, aur unke sath konsa depression (we sit with family and drink, so what depression?)”

“BAKWAAAS!!!! Chai is the foremost thing that brings all together. We have it with our whole family & friends,” someone else wrote.

“Reading this while making tea,” a person said.

An individual stated, “If we don’t get tea, we get depression and anxiety,” while another firmly declared, “Jo bhi ho, jo bhi na ho…chai chai hai…hum toh piyenge (Whatever happens, whatever doesn’t…tea is tea…we will drink it).”

Other reactions included: “Well, We’re fine and happy with that depression!” and “Now I understand how smokers feel when you tell them smoking causes lung cancer.”

Looks like for true chai lovers, mental health warnings are just background noise.