Ayush Kumar
Mental Health Among Students
It is evident in society that students of Generation Z and
Generation alpha have to deal with changes at a very rapid
pace, taking place in every concerning avenue. With all things
looked upon, this topic is often considered “apocryphal” in
society. The stereotypical view of a student in India is of
someone who has to bear every kind of emotional and social
pressure and still carry on to their works with fortitude and rigor.
The students who might not stand out in studies and typical
activities are often looked at with contempt and become the
victim of floccinaucinihilipilification. Collectively all these things,
forming the image of society towards students, contribute
in the proliferation of mental issues among students.
The latest study report by Stanford University shows that 1 in
every 23 students is affected by some kind of mental health
issue, inclusive of the 14-22-year age group. A survey
conducted by National Alliance on Mental Illness reported that
73% of students in college are part of a mental health crisis.
Some of the numerous reasons leading to such a scenario are:
Pressure to succeed in academics
Increased social media use
Stigma around seeking help
Obscurity around future
Peer pressure

This list can extend to multiple digits further. One major thing
which has fueled the number of cases through the years is
students’ involvement in social media. Social media leads to
the release of Dopamine in teens eventually causing
distraction. It has been reported by several mental health
advocates and organizations that social media is most pivotal in
proliferating mental health crises among students. It leads to
the development of FOMO (Fearing of missing out) which is
anxiety, often aroused by posts seen on social media. This can
further lead to depression and suicidal contemplation.
Well at times students themselves neglect their mental health
which sustains the issue and leads to something even worse.
Well according to me the roots lie in the education system
which is generous enough to teach about physical health but
neglecting enough to leave imperativeness of mental health.
This generates the thought that mental health is not crucial in a
students’ life. However, the fact is also true that without being
mentally strong and confident one’s body is not able to work at
optimum level.
In the last couple of years, several methods have been
worked upon meticulously to mitigate mental health crises
among students. Some of them are:
Development of several organizations taking upon this
issue and extensively disseminating its consequences
and effects among the concerned group.
Several advocates and celebrated personalities have
enlightened the issue to a mainstream level and have
worked to dwindle the effect and cope with the scenario.
Several rehabilitation centers have been set up just for
the sake of dealing with the situation.
However, still, there are many gap holes to fill for an efficient
and healthy mental-centered upbringing and development of a
student. There are some suggestions which can be helpful, if
Implemented, in dealing with the situation:
Regular checkup of mental health by the confrontation of
every student on a personal level in schools and other
educational organizations.
Several checks should be introduced in social networking
sites which can prevent users from cyber-bullying.
Induction of mental health studies in the regular
curriculum so that students get transparent of the aspect.
With increasing comprehensiveness according to the
grade.
Increased awareness about mental health through
various campaigns and initiatives
Institutionalization of a more friendly and interactive
environment in schools and education organizations with
an emphasis on every students’ interest.