Mental health assessment and support have become important for children, as these issues are no longer confined to adults. This is majorly happening because children of today are so engrossed in their mobile phones, and are so easily influenced by people to take stress even when it is not required. Schools, where students spend a significant portion of their time, play an important role in addressing these concerns. 

However, in India, there is a noticeable divide in how mental health is handled in schools and beyond as people think mental health is only for the rich. This article provides an overview of mental health awareness in the Indian K12 education landscape, showcasing examples of school policies and initiatives aimed at improving mental health support for all students, regardless of their socio-economic background.

The State of Mental Health Awareness in Indian Schools

Mental health awareness in Indian schools is a developing field and has a long way to go. According to a report by The Hindu, India is home to a significant number of school children struggling with mental health issues. These include anxiety, depression, and stress, often exacerbated by academic pressures and socio-economic factors. Unfortunately, mental health support in schools is frequently inadequate, leaving students to cope on their own.

The Indian Journal of Psychiatry highlights the urgent need for comprehensive school mental health programs. Many schools lack trained mental health professionals, and the stigma surrounding mental health issues further complicates matters. As a result, students who need help the most often do not receive it, leading to long-term consequences on their overall well-being and academic performance.

School Policies and Initiatives

Recognizing the critical need for mental health support, some schools in India have started to implement policies and programs aimed at addressing this issue. For instance, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced guidelines for schools to follow, which include mandatory counseling sessions and the establishment of wellness centers. These measures aim to create a supportive environment where students can discuss their mental health concerns without fear of judgment.

The Shri Ram School in Delhi has implemented comprehensive mental health programs, including regular counseling sessions, mental health workshops, and integrating mental health education into the curriculum. Such programs help to destigmatize mental health issues and equip students with the tools to manage stress and emotional challenges effectively.

As a school authority, here are some tips you can follow to create a safe space to talk about mental health for kids:

Connect with Students

Research shows that safe, supportive, and connective relationships are the best way for schools to support students and prevent mental health issues. There are multiple ways to achieve this, such as:

• Greeting students individually each morning. 
• Ask students how they feel every day.
• Creating time for students and teachers to get to know each other.
• Allowing students to express themselves through art, music, dance, creative writing, and more.

Integrate Mental Health into the Curriculum 

Make sure that as a school authority, you are normalizing conversations about mental health in everyday education. You can do so by: 

• Discussing feelings and managing emotions in the classroom.
• Teaching coping strategies like mindfulness and relaxation.
• Offering small group discussions for at-risk students to build skills.
• Providing intensive services, like one-on-one counseling, for students with mental health diagnoses.

Use Technology

Smartphone apps can teach students mindfulness and relaxation, help them monitor their mood, and remind them of coping skills during stressful times. With the technology changing, schools can also provide virtual workshops and sessions for teachers to better understand their students in the mental health context. 

Government and NGO Initiatives

Apart from individual school efforts, there are also significant government and NGO initiatives aimed at improving mental health support in Indian schools. The National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) of India has been working towards integrating mental health services into the general healthcare system, which includes school-based mental health programs. This initiative aims to provide early detection and treatment of mental health issues among students.

NGOs like Sangath and The MINDS Foundation are also playing a crucial role in this arena. Sangath, for example, runs the “It’s Ok to Talk” campaign, which encourages young people to speak openly about their mental health. Such initiatives are critical in creating a culture of acceptance and support, making it easier for students to seek help when needed.

The Way Forward

The answer to “Is mental health support important for students?” is yes! To address mental health challenges effectively, a well-thought-out approach is necessary. School authorities can bring in trained mental health professionals in schools, and this can be done through government initiatives and partnerships with mental health organizations to provide training for teachers and school counselors.

Moreover, schools should also engage parents and communities in mental health awareness programs to ensure a holistic approach to student well-being. This article has talked about what is happening in the mental health space with regards to the students including the state of schools, what measures can be taken, and government and NGO initiatives. 

Oasis International focuses a lot on mental health for kids to prevent any casualties that the kid might have to go through. Our teachers are well-trained to tackle mental health support effectively for the students. Get in touch to know more!