In India, where mental health challenges among children and adolescents are intensifying, schools are emerging as crucial spaces to offer early intervention, prevention, and emotional resilience-building. With the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that one in every seven adolescents suffers from a mental disorder, India’s educational institutions must play a pivotal role in addressing these issues.
The Rising Mental Health Crisis
The global burden of adolescent mental health is substantial, with anxiety and depression representing the majority of issues faced by young people. In India, a survey conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) revealed alarming trends among school students, with 81% experiencing acute anxiety related to studies and exams, and 45% struggling with negative body image. The situation is particularly severe in certain regions like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan, where student suicides are most prevalent.
Excessive social media use and screen time are also contributing to higher levels of impulsivity, reduced attention span, and depressive symptoms in youth. This underscores the importance of addressing mental health early, especially in schools.
Mental Health as a Spectrum
Mental health should not be equated solely with mental illness. It exists on a continuum, from well-being and resilience to temporary distress caused by life events such as exams or loss, to more severe mental illnesses that require professional intervention. Schools, as environments where children spend a significant amount of their time, are ideally positioned to offer mental health support. They can help foster emotional resilience, social-emotional learning, and early intervention strategies, especially given the scarcity of professional mental health support in India.
Initiatives and Programmes in Schools
In response to the growing need for mental health support, India has initiated several programs, both in government and private sectors, to address the mental well-being of students:
Ayushman Bharat School Health: This program focuses on screening, referral, and health education but has been limited in scope and faces inconsistent implementation.
Manodarpan: A national initiative offering helplines, online counseling, and self-help resources. However, its reach is limited, primarily benefiting urban students with digital access.
SIMHA (School Initiative for Mental Health Advocacy): This program trains teachers, runs advocacy campaigns, and utilizes digital tools. It covers over 10 states but requires ongoing support beyond initial training.
Additionally, initiatives such as the whole school approach promoted by the Department of School Education and Literacy and recommendations from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to employ school counselors are steps in the right direction. These programs aim to integrate mental health into the school curriculum and ethos, promoting resilience and coping skills among students.
Path Forward for Mental Health Reform in Schools
To create a robust, systemic approach to child mental health, the following recommendations should be considered:
Strengthen Early Childhood Education: Training caregivers and primary school teachers to identify and respond to emotional and behavioral problems is crucial. Early intervention helps build emotional literacy and resilience.
Institutionalize Teacher Capacity Building: Teachers should be regularly trained on mental health topics. This includes integrating mental health into the broader teacher support system, focusing on both student and teacher well-being to prevent burnout.
Integrate Mental Health Metrics: Schools should include student well-being surveys and access to mental health support as part of their performance evaluation systems to hold institutions accountable.
Tackle Mental Health Stigma: Open dialogues, peer-led initiatives, and mental health clubs can create safe spaces for students to share their struggles. Engaging with parents and communities is also vital in building a supportive network.
Target High-Risk Groups: Students in high-stress environments, such as those preparing for competitive exams, medical students, and marginalized youth, should receive additional mental health support and resources.
Redesign Academic Frameworks: Shifting from an exam-centric education system to one that promotes creativity, life skills, and physical well-being can significantly reduce stress. This includes flexible assessments and formative feedback to reduce undue academic pressure.
Collaborate with Mental Health Professionals: Schools should co-create mental health initiatives with professionals and civil society organizations to ensure holistic, student-centered approaches that integrate prevention, early intervention, and community support.
Conclusion
Mental health reform in schools is crucial to combat the growing crisis among children and adolescents. By integrating mental health support, reducing stigma, and promoting emotional resilience, schools can play a transformative role in shaping the mental well-being of future generations. A comprehensive, education-led approach will ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive emotionally and mentally, paving the way for a healthier, more productive society.
Related topics:
Why Is It Important to Learn About Mental Illness?
What Classifies as a Mental Illness
What Makes a Good Psychotherapist
