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New Delhi. The National Mental Health Survey revealed that about 14 percent of the population in India needs mental health counselling. The need to provide mental health support and counseling in schools should be one of the top priorities of teachers to ensure their holistic development. India has the largest population of children and adolescents in the world. In such a situation, there is a need to promote mental health programs to facilitate healthy psychological development.
Educators, especially in Tier 2 and 3 cities, need to implement effective measures to establish a safe and inclusive school environment to promote the mental health and well-being of students. Access to counseling and guidance can help students develop lifelong mental health and well-being by nurturing their social and emotional skills. These skills include the ability to solve problems, effectively manage everyday stressors, build healthy relationships and cooperate cooperatively with others, and cultivate a sense of autonomy and purpose.
Neeraj Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO, PeakMind, said, “Globally, the School Mental Health Program (SMHP) is seen as an important initiative to enhance the mental health and well-being of children. In India, the policy is gradually reaching tier-2 and tier-3 cities to address mental health issues at the grassroots level. Mental health programs around the world have been able to eliminate or reduce students’ anxiety in the classroom. New York’s School Mental Health (SMH) program is one example that has shown positive results. India can also implement a nationwide SMHP based on the Mental Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention (PPEI) model. Also, such programs should educate parents and teachers for a holistic approach in addressing mental health issues of students.”
To ensure the overall well-being of students, mental health awareness initiatives should be taken by educational institutions to educate parents and fill the gaps wherever necessary. Teachers and students must be equipped with the tools to identify early signs of emerging mental health issues. In addition, there should be educational opportunities focused on raising awareness and managing mental health crises, including the risk of suicide or self-harm. It is also necessary to address the adverse effects of cultural attitudes towards mental illness.
Dr Nimesh G, senior consultant psychiatrist and public health professional, former director of IHBAS, said, “The increasing number of mental health problems requires the introduction of mental well-being support and guidance at the school level. Since prevention is better than cure, the sooner psychological support structures are established, the better. Issues related to academic performance and challenging behavior faced by students should be included in school mental health programs. Often overlooked factors include intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Additionally, conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), various types of dyslexia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) need to be given special attention along with ensuring inclusive education and right to education. ‘Conduct disorders’ often arise from family issues and bullying, highlighting the need for referral services and providing treatment options to parents and families.”
“The impact of substance abuse is evident across tier 1 and tier 2 cities, with 55 per cent queries coming from tier 1 and 42 per cent from tier 2 cities. Among tier 1 cities, Delhi leads with 30 per cent queries, followed by followed by Mumbai with 12 per cent. In contrast, anxiety and depression are more pronounced in Tier 1 cities, comprising 66 per cent of the queries, with Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai making up the top three cities. In particular, those related to substance abuse Questions revealed a 25 percent increase in alcohol addiction, 53 percent increase in drug abuse, and 95 percent increase in withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, questions related to eating disorders and PTSD increased by 40 percent. “
–IANS
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Web Title-About 14% of the population in the country needs mental health counseling.
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