In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure world, the mental health of students has become a critical concern that demands immediate and sustained attention. While academic achievement remains a primary focus in schools, the emotional and psychological well-being of students is often overlooked or under-addressed. As India’s education system undergoes various reforms and students face increasing pressure from multiple fronts, the need to prioritise mental health in schools has never been more urgent.
The Silent Epidemic
Mental health issues among children and adolescents are often called the “silent epidemic.” According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in seven adolescents globally experiences a mental health disorder. In India, the statistics are equally alarming. A 2022 report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) revealed a disturbing trend: over 13,000 students died by suicide in the country in a single year. This grim reality highlights a crisis that is far more serious than most educational stakeholders are willing to acknowledge.
Children and teenagers today grapple with a complex mix of stressors — academic pressure, parental expectations, peer competition, bullying, identity crises, social media influence and, more recently, the psychological aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. While these issues are not entirely new, their intensity and impact have escalated dramatically in recent years.
Why Schools Must Take the Lead
Schools play a central role in the development of young minds. For many students, school is not just a place of learning; it is also where they spend a significant portion of their formative years. Educators, administrators and counsellors are often in the best position to observe early signs of distress, provide immediate support, and create a safe, nurturing environment.
Unfortunately, most Indian schools do not have dedicated mental health resources. A vast number of institutions lack qualified counsellors, and even when they are present, their roles are limited or underutilised. Mental health is still a taboo subject in many parts of the country, leading to shame, silence, and neglect.
By integrating mental health awareness into the fabric of school education, institutions can help reduce stigma, promote open conversations, and encourage students to seek help without fear or embarrassment.
The Impact of Poor Mental Health on Learning
The link between mental health and academic performance is well-documented. Students struggling with anxiety, depression, attention disorders, or trauma often find it difficult to concentrate, retain information, or participate fully in class activities. This leads to a cycle of underperformance, low self-esteem, and further psychological decline.
Moreover, untreated mental health issues can manifest in disruptive behaviour, absenteeism, withdrawal from social interaction, and even self-harm. These behaviours are frequently misunderstood as laziness, disobedience, or poor discipline rather than symptoms of underlying distress.
Schools that ignore mental health concerns risk not only the academic failure of their students but also their long-term well-being.
The Role of Teachers and Parents
Teachers are on the frontlines of this battle. Their ability to detect behavioural changes, provide empathetic support, and guide students to appropriate help is crucial. However, most teachers are neither trained nor equipped to handle mental health issues. There is a pressing need to introduce regular workshops and training sessions that help teachers understand emotional intelligence, behavioural cues, and intervention strategies.
Parents, too, must be part of the conversation. In many households, mental health is misunderstood or dismissed altogether. Children are told to “toughen up” or “stop overthinking” rather than being listened to. Schools can bridge this gap by engaging with parents through awareness programmes, counselling sessions, and open forums that demystify mental health and emphasise its importance.
What Needs to Be Done
To effectively address the growing mental health crisis in schools, a multi-pronged approach is necessary:
1. Mandatory Mental Health Curriculum
Mental health education should be incorporated into the school curriculum from an early age. Students should be taught about emotions, stress management, empathy, coping skills, and self-care. Age-appropriate modules can help children understand their feelings and normalise seeking help when needed.
2. Hiring Qualified Counsellors
Every school should have access to trained mental health professionals. Counsellors must be more than just academic advisors — they need to be trusted figures who can provide psychological support, crisis intervention, and referrals when necessary.
3. Regular Mental Health Assessments
Annual or bi-annual mental health check-ups, much like physical health screenings, should be introduced. This would help in early detection and timely support for students showing signs of emotional distress.
4. Creating Safe Spaces
Schools must foster an environment where students feel safe, heard, and valued. Anti-bullying policies, anonymous reporting systems, peer-support groups, and mental health clubs can all contribute to a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere.
5. Collaboration with Mental Health Organisations
Partnerships with NGOs, psychologists, and wellness organisations can help schools develop structured programmes, conduct workshops, and provide additional support services.
6. Use of Technology
With the rise of mental health apps and digital counselling platforms, schools can leverage technology to provide students with easy and confidential access to professional help.
A Cultural Shift Is Needed
Beyond policies and programmes, what India needs is a cultural shift. The societal perception of mental health must change — from shame and denial to awareness and acceptance. Children should grow up knowing that emotional well-being is just as important as physical health, and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
This change begins in schools. When educational institutions prioritise mental health, they send a powerful message to students and parents: that emotions matter, that every child is valued beyond grades, and that no one should suffer in silence.
The mental health crisis in schools is not a future threat — it is a present reality. If left unaddressed, it will continue to claim lives, derail futures, and destroy potential. But if we act now — with empathy, urgency, and commitment — we can create an education system that supports the whole child: mind, body, and soul.
It’s time for educators, policymakers, parents, and communities to come together and put mental health at the forefront of school education. Because no child should have to choose between learning and surviving.
