Air pollution is increasingly recognized as a significant trigger for mental health issues in India, moving beyond environmental concerns to psychological challenges. Constant exposure to poor air quality, often highlighted by daily AQI updates, can induce anxiety, hypervigilance, and irritability by activating the body's stress response. Mental health professionals note that this prolonged stress can lead to emotional exhaustion and a feeling of living in survival mode, underscoring the deep connection between environmental conditions and psychological well-being.