Education
Mental Health and the Future of Education: Preparing Students for Life’s Challenges
In a nation known for its academic prowess, a recent survey conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in 2022 has uncovered a deeply troubling statistic 12-13% of students in India are grappling with psychological, emotional, and behavioural conditions. This revelation paints a stark picture of the mental health crisis that is silently sweeping through our education system. While mental health issues can affect anyone, college students find themselves among the most vulnerable groups, battling a myriad of challenges that often remain undiagnosed or hidden due to stigma and misinformation. Ms. Pritika Singh, CEO of Prayag Hospitals Group, has shared some concerning statistics that prompt us to reconsider the seriousness of this issue and emphasize the importance of having mental health awareness.
Pritika Singh, CEO of Prayag Hospitals Group
Adolescence, the transitional phase from childhood to adulthood, is a critical period of development marked by profound changes in the brain, body, and social environment. It is during this period that students are particularly susceptible to psychiatric conditions. The triggers are diverse, ranging from heredity and attachment patterns with parents to academic pressures, low self-esteem, relationship issues, and environmental factors such as unsafe or toxic living conditions. The consequences are dire, with common disorders like major depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and substance abuse often emerging during these formative years. Perhaps most alarmingly, suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death among young adults globally, a problem of staggering magnitude among college students in India, where stigma and lack of information deter individuals from seeking help.
One alarming trend that has emerged in recent years is the relationship between internet use and mental wellbeing. A global study by UNICEF revealed that moderate internet use can have a small positive impact on young people’s mental health, but both extreme scenarios—being entirely offline or engaging in excessive use—have a detrimental effect. This information underscores the importance of balancing digital connectivity with real-world interactions for students’ overall mental health. The grim statistics do not stop at the general population, even prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have not been immune to the scourge of student suicides. In the past few years, 33 students have died by suicide across the IITs alone. The broader academic landscape paints a bleak picture, with 61 suicide cases reported across the IITs, National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and IIMs combined.
So, what can we do to address this mental health crisis and prepare our students for life’s challenges?
First and foremost, we must acknowledge the need for robust mental health support within educational institutions. Schools and colleges must prioritise mental health and well-being as an integral part of the curriculum. This should involve regular counselling services, mental health awareness programs, and de-stigmatization campaigns to encourage students to seek help without fear of judgement. Community engagement is crucial. Parents, teachers, and the broader community must come together to create a support network for students. Encouraging open communication, actively listening to students’ concerns, and providing a nurturing environment can go a long way in promoting their mental well-being.
Furthermore, it’s essential to reevaluate our education system. The undue pressure on students to excel academically often takes a severe toll on their mental health. We should shift the focus from rote learning and high-stakes exams to a more holistic approach that promotes creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. Additionally, schools and colleges should invest in extracurricular activities and sports programs, as physical activity has proven benefits for mental health. Encouraging students to pursue their passions outside of academics can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Finally, mental health education should not be confined to the classroom. We need to raise awareness at the national level through public campaigns and policy initiatives. The government, along with civil society organisations, should work to destigmatize mental health issues and ensure that mental health services are accessible and affordable to all. The government has made substantial strides in incorporating mental health into the broader healthcare landscape, a commendable move in the right direction. The Ayushman Bharat scheme, which extends insurance coverage of up to 5 lakhs, includes mental health. Ayushman Bharat comprises 17 specialised packages tailored to address a wide spectrum of mental health disorders, including those associated with psychoactive substance use.
Therefore, the mental health crisis among students in India is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. By prioritising mental health within our education system, fostering community support, and reimagining our approach to learning, we can equip our students with the resilience and emotional strength they need to face life’s challenges.
NOTE- On the occasion of World Mental Health Day 2023 observed on October 10th, ScooNews has dedicated this week to amplifying the voices of the education fraternity on the Inclusion of mental health in our curriculum. Stay tuned for the whole week, we will be coming up with stories and articles on mental health in education.
This article is a part of the series #ScooNewsforMentalHealth campaign.