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.