The other day I was reading in newspaper that how a student of a reputed Dental College in Bangalore ended up her life when she didnt able to cope up with the college pressure. She cried, tried to put up with the stress, even went to the professors to seek help, however, the professors chose to take no notice of the student. Finally she gave up and committed suicide. This incident conveyed two main things into sharper focus-
The mass of burdens and stress tackled by students in todays time.
The lack of awareness about mental health issues in India
We all know, college time is an imperative part of our lives. It is the fundamental step towards unraveling ones exact possibilities to lead a highly proficient life. At the same time, college life is a period of various biological, emotional, and social ups and downs. In todays time of extraordinary struggle and loads of interference, it is difficult for any student to stance well-balanced. College students are one of the most exposed sets of people who could be inclined to mental health matters. Mental health is a major concern globally and India is not behindhand. The expansions in the arena of mental health, the stride seems to be really sluggish. According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) India also has one of the uppermost student suicide rates comprehensively, Moreover, 40% college students in India are suffering from depression or various other forms of cerebral sickness. This is mostly due to the enormous stress and pressure they face in their college life. The main mental health challenges college students are facing today includes-
Drug Addiction
Depression
Anxiety
Eating and Sleeping Disorder
Bipolar
Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder
Common Factors That Leads to Mental Health Problems
Increasing Competition-
With increasing competition and challenging career necessities, students face challenges while muddling through with their academics. Students every so often face nervousness and depression when they are not capable to attain good marks even after loads of productiveness. This results into serious health issues. Many reports of suicide efforts have been stated even in some of the finest institutions.
Body Shaming-
The concept of well-toned body is getting into vogue these days. There are a number of individuals who think they dont fit into societys anticipations. As a result, they get massive depression. Either fat or skinny; both philosophies are in contradiction with the vigorous functioning of the physique.
Social Media Influence-
Social networking sites such as Facebook and Instagram are again one of the most common factors. Students are highly influenced with social media platforms these days, which eventually results into comparison. The common youth is incompetent to recognize the point that such worthless comparison only leads to depression and anxiety issues.
Relationship Difficulties-
Relationship issues are of major concern for todays youth. Over expectation is core cause. People in this day and age are incapable of facing rejection. In some cases, being rejected eventually leads to loneliness and depression.
Reasons for Not Seeking Help
Despondently, mental health issues amongst students are frequently ignored by parents, teachers, and friends and sometimes, even by themselves. Asking for support is often the toughest stride on the track towards reclamation. Humiliation and shame is often the biggest blockade. Students often feel embarrassed or ashamed of their symptoms and are terrified to ask for help.
Many people also consider such mental illnesses are merely words or phrases such as its all in your head or theres no such thing such as depression. Most of the colleges and universities in India are unenthusiastic to endure the expenses of employing psychologists or therapists or providing other basic mental health amenities.
Dearth of attentiveness, lack of counselors or psychologists in universities prevents students from getting the help they need. The pressure and stress that student experiences in college initially, if ignored, can eventually lead to worsen mental health conditions. Students Mental health condition is a marked out subject in universities and colleges and for that reason, no conversation is required.
Whats next?
Though, the situation seems to be shifting gradually towards other side. Few universities are now employing counselors and providing mentorship platforms to help students cope with mental health issues. For example, Ambedkar University in Delhi has a clinic, which helps the students and staff members at the University distressing from such problems. Similarly, Ashoka University in Sonipat has an online portal, where students can ask questions if they are feeling apprehensive or anxious and a health care Centre as well where they can fix appointment to meet a counselor. Leading universitirs such as the IITs, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Jamia Millia Islamia also have parallel amenities for counseling, therapy and mentoring students. The establishment of a centre at Manipal for private and trained analysis, solely for students, is also encouraging.
There should be more psychologists skilled to deal with students Issues. Having a resident psychologist or medical professional on campus is a good option. The therapist should be able to deal with various problems- from mental health conditions to an entire array such as sexuality, academics and family etc.
More and more Support Groups should be created. Student Support Networks should be managed by research intellectuals and students of the institute like at Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru.
Role of Government
Since mental health is still generally an unmentionable topic in India, Approval of the Mental Health Care Bill is an optimistic pace commenced by our government. This bill includes, allowing independence to mentally ill patients regarding the treatment preference, shielding the rights of patients and upholding minimum standards of care. World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October each year, with the whole motive of imparting alertness regarding mental health issues globally. Though, a lot more effort is required to take it to a major level.
Everyone is permitted to moral health care. As measure of Indias clumsy crawl to counterpart premier universities globally, what has been overlooked is that one of the distinctive features of those finest universities is the consideration and responsibility they have for students welfare, specifically mental health. A decent therapist, specialist, or support group can lead to whole changed situation among students. Mental health complications can affect students efficiency, output, their academic development, ability to withstand relationships, moreover hamper their total working and value of life. Suitable and timely assistance is extremely integral to encourage students at individual as well as at a communal level. Mental health conditions are curable. Assistance is accessible and it should be an ongoing process.