India's initiatives to address growing mental health challenges among students

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The growing number of mental health cases among students has highlighted urgent issues that require immediate attention. According to the WHO, mental health conditions such as epilepsy, developmental disabilities, depression, anxiety, and behavioural disorders are leading causes of illness and disability in young people. Around 8 per cent of children and 15 per cent of adolescents globally face mental health challenges, yet many do not seek help. Suicide remains the third leading cause of death in 15-29 year-olds.

In response, the Government of India has implemented various initiatives aimed at supporting young people. These include online platforms, help desks, and counselling departments in educational institutions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Education launched a national initiative focused on providing psychosocial support for students, teachers, and families. A toll-free helpline, 844 844 0632, offers tele-counseling for mental health issues during and after the pandemic. Since its launch in April 2020, this initiative has connected over 270 counsellors across the country.

To further support students, live sessions on ‘SAHYOG: Guidance for Mental Wellbeing of Children’ are broadcast on DTH TV channels. Yoga sessions for stress relief have also been aired, and digital resources are accessible on platforms like DIKSHA. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) provides tele-counseling before and after exams, helping students with psychological support and career guidance. Additionally, NCERT has developed training materials on emotional well-being and mental health as part of the Ayushman Bharat School Health Programme, offering valuable resources for both students and teachers.