The growing need for student mental health counseling

The increasing number of suicides among students in India is a cause for great concern and requires immediate action.

Recently, at the annual IC3 Conference & Expo 2024, Student suicides: An epidemic sweeping India, Volume 2 A report was released that revealed disturbing trends. The report revealed that the suicide rate among students is now higher than among farmers in the country and is twice the overall suicide rate.

These findings underline the enormous pressure students face and the urgent need for comprehensive support systems, particularly effective counselling, within educational institutions.

In a country where education is often seen as the primary path to success, students struggle with enormous academic pressure, career expectations and societal demands. The road to a secure future is paved with important exams, fierce competition and the fear of failure.

It is not uncommon for students to feel overwhelmed by the weight of these expectations, leading to anxiety, depression and, in some tragic cases, suicidal thoughts. These pressures are exacerbated by early and widespread comparisons among students, driven by a growing middle class and an increasingly ambitious society.

From a young age, children are often compared in many ways – be it in terms of their academic performance, their social skills or even their personal characteristics. These comparisons eventually develop into an acute competitive struggle that, if left unchecked, can lead to self-inflicted harm, even the tragic decision to take one's own life.

The recently published report makes it clear that these mental health problems are on the rise, making it imperative for schools, colleges and families to prioritise students' emotional wellbeing alongside their academic achievement.

Advice

Counseling is often overlooked, but it plays a critical role in supporting students throughout their educational journey. Counseling is not just about guiding students toward an appropriate career path; it is about giving them the tools to manage stress, make informed decisions, and align their life choices with their personal values ​​and interests.

Effective counseling helps students understand their strengths and weaknesses, explore different life options, and set realistic goals. More importantly, it provides students with a safe space to express their worries and fears and offers them emotional support and understanding.

The unhealthy competition fostered by societal comparisons only exacerbates these challenges. This environment creates a vicious cycle in which people are judged on their achievements, often leading to the belief that those who do not meet certain standards are less worthy. Such attitudes can be incredibly damaging, especially for young people who are still in the process of forming their identity.

When students are encouraged to pursue paths that align with their passions, they are more likely to find fulfillment and success. This alignment not only reduces the pressure to conform to societal expectations, but also contributes to better mental health outcomes. It empowers students to take control of their futures, knowing that their choices are based on their authentic selves, not external pressures.

Schools and colleges need to be proactive in implementing comprehensive counseling programs. This includes training teachers to recognize early signs of distress, making counseling services accessible to all students, and creating an environment that encourages and destigmatizes help-seeking. Parents also play an important role in this process.

They should be open to conversations about mental health, listen to their children's concerns without judgment, and support their interests and desires, even if these deviate from traditional paths.

No one-time solution

Counseling is not a one-time solution, but an ongoing process of guidance and support. It should begin early in a student's life and help them navigate the complexities of growing up and prepare them for future challenges. By embedding counseling into the education system, we can create a supportive network that addresses not only academic needs, but also emotional and psychological well-being.

The alarming statistics on student suicides are a wake-up call for educators, parents and politicians. The need for effective counseling is greater than ever.

By prioritizing mental health and providing comprehensive counseling services, we can help students cope with the pressures they face, make informed decisions about their future, and live fulfilling lives.

Together we can create a learning environment where every student feels valued, supported and empowered to reach their true potential.

(The column was written by Ganesh Kohli, founder of the IC3 movement. All views expressed are his own.)