Don’t let students suffer in silence, work towards mental wellness

Mental health is a growing concern among schoolchildren worldwide. It often goes unnoticed because children, mostly the younger lot, may not be able to express their emotions clearly. While there can be multiple factors responsible for mental health issues among children, in school, this may show up as poor academic performance, social withdrawal, or disruptive behaviour.

Several factors contribute to childhood depression in school environment — academic pressure, bullying, social media and even family issues. Many students suffer in silence, hiding feelings of sadness, loneliness or hopelessness behind smiles and silence. Children may also feel overwhelmed by expectations from parents or teachers or struggle with self-esteem and identity during formative years. It’s important for parents, teachers and care-givers to recognise the signs early and offer support.

Schools can play a vital role by promoting mental health awareness, offering support services and creating, inclusive environment. Open communication, emotional validation and professional counselling can make a big difference. Early intervention can help prevent long-term consequences and support the child’s overall well-being and development. We need to create a culture in schools where talking about mental health is normal, not a taboo. A place where the child, who says, “I am not okay”, is dealt with compassion, not judgement.

Schools should promote open discussions about mental health, train teachers to recognise early signs of emotional struggle and provide access to counsellors or mental health professionals. There has been some progress in this regard as most private schools are hiring a school counsellor, but at large, the compulsion in this matter is missing.

Excessive academic pressure can fuel anxiety, schools should promote balance —encouraging students to excel without overloading them. Regular breaks from academics, creative activities and physical education also help in reducing stress. Most importantly, we must create a safe environment where students feel heard, understood and supported. Schools can create supportive environments, integrate mental health into the curriculum and provide access to mental health services. When schools take mental health seriously — they build stronger, healthier human beings. Let’s work together — as students, teachers and parents — to break the stigma around mental health.