Mental health experts advice on how to handle academic pressure among students

According to a recent report by the Ministry of Education over 100 students died by suicide since 2018 of which 33 cases the highest number recorded between January 2018 and March 2023 was reported from Indian Institutes of Technology IITs National Institutes of Technology NITs and Indian Institutes of Management IIMS accounted for 24 and four deaths respectively Last week after the Andhra Pradesh Board of Intermediate Examination declared the Class 11 and 12 examinations nine students lost their life to suicide when they did not clear a few subjects Itrsquos time that these rising number of student suicide cases are viewed as more than just newsThe WCurve by Gullahorn and Gullahorn in 1963 proposes four stages of culture shockThe mounting academic pressure fear of failure loneliness poor mental health and other issues faced by students require immediate addressing Experts share a guide for parents and teachers to extend help and spot the signs that a student might be under studyrelated pressure especially while pursuing higher studies or facing other issues on campusIt takes time to adjustDr Sonal Anand psychiatrist at Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road highlights how a positive support system provided by a parent can help ease the initial stress that a new college experience can bring even if a student might not have adjustment issues at the start To help support and understand ensuing psychological changes she adds ldquoLeaving home for the first time and living without supervision can be a culture shock for studentsDr Sonal AnandParents should be made aware of the Wcurve model of culture shock proposed by Gullahorn and Gullahorn 1963rdquo The four stages of the model include the initial honeymoon or exciting phase frustration adaptation and lastly the acceptance stage Being prepared not just academically but also psychologically can aid adjustment Over time students can become familiar with their new surroundings as they make new friends and learn to adapt to college life and education Campuses ought to conduct an orientation for parents introducing them to help cells and campus support systems Institutions can also integrate parental support in these help cellsMental health in the curriculumPointing out that academicallygifted students might face more pressure to do well than their peers Ashwiinii Satpute counselling psychologist human rights activist and founder of Sahayog Vikas Sanstha notes that it is important to look at the past pressures which shape the journey of IITians She says ldquoThese students are trained to perform in the worst situations but they are never nurtured to cope with failure or societal rejection which becomes a silent time bomb So the right approach is to train parents and teachers to develop skills in these super achievers to deal with these trigger pointsrdquo She also adds that often superachievers are pushed into an academic direction by parents who are unaware of their childrsquos core strengths parents should avoid making isolated academic decisions for childrenAshwiinii SatputeldquoIndia has to include mental health and wellbeing within education as an integral part of the curriculum with special emphasis on life skills and supportive care modules This will bridge the gap between parents teachers and childrenrdquo Satpute says Such modules can help develop problemsolving and communication skills critical and creative thinking and interpersonal and intrapersonal skills Regular workshops on the importance of selflove setting boundaries grounding the self as well as destressing tools can help students to be better equipped while dealing with certain pressures Finally periodic assessment in shifts of onersquos emotional quotient can help identify whether the child is facing hostile life or psychological issues such as bullying body image loneliness etc She adds that the education sector can provide refresher training for teachers to build leadership skills compassion and empathyChanges in the recent yearsRiddhi Doshi PatelRiddhi Doshi Patel child psychologist and parenting counsellor explains the impact of the pandemic on a childrsquos academic journey ldquoWe seldom pay attention to whatrsquos happening with students The move from online to offline lectures and examinations has not been easy because it shapes approaches to educationrdquo She adds that society is heading towards a more competitive environment where teens face most of the pressure With increasing competition and higher pressure to get better grades they can easily succumb to stressful environmentsCompounding impactsDr Vidhya NairHolistic psychologist Dr Vidhya Nair reminds us that entering a university or prestigious campus is a big life event and is looked at as a crucial turning point Hence the pressure that comes with it is real including societal parental and peer group pressure It is further shaped by onersquos concepts of life self and success Such pressure impacts students and leads to low selfesteem low confidence inability to face further stressful situations selfisolation social anxiety development of unhealthy coping mechanisms and other disorders Nair concludes that it is important to reassure students that exams are not indicators of onersquos capabilitiesWatch out for these signsPayal Narang points out the red flags and warning signs that parents and teachers need to look out for1 Sudden changes of behaviour this includes anger isolation and frequent irritability2 Sudden decline in academic performance3 Increased absenteeism from class4 Lack of interest in activities they used to enjoy earlier5 Physical symptoms like stress can sometimes manifest as frequent headaches stomachaches or insomniaLetrsquos Build a support systemPayal Naranggtgt Appreciate your child donrsquot criticise or compare them with other childrengtgt Do not use negative words or create a negative environment around studies and future goalsgtgt Avoid favouritism by appreciating some students and avoiding the restgtgt Listen to a studentrsquos concerns patientlygtgt Make yourself available to your childgtgt Positively reinforce the childrsquos effortsgtgt Encourage them to connect with peers who are going through a similar academic process to bond support and take a break from the pressures of studyinggtgt Seek formal support if necessary from a tutor counsellor academic coach or therapist to help a student manage the stress and anxiety associated with pursuing higher educationgtgt Encourage timely breaks rest and nutrition to help the childrsquos body replenish resourcesBy Riddhi Doshi Patel and Payal Narang child psychologist and bloggerSuicide is preventable If you experience distress or know someone in distress donrsquot hesitate to reach out togtgt Aasra 24x7 9820466726gtgt The Samaritans Mumbai Daily 3 pm to 9 pm 8422984528 29 30gtgt Mpower Minds 24x7 1800120820050