Exam stress? Call 24x7 helpline for counselling, support
If you are feeling anxiety, mental stress or any other problem ahead of annual exams, call the 24x7 helpline at 9646470777 for free counselling, support, and guidance.
Brainchild of Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal, the annual student mental health support helpline, ASMAAH, has been launched with the support of the District Red Cross Society and District Bureau of Employment and Enterprises for Class X and XII students ahead of the Board examinations beginning February 13.
Jorwal told The Tribune that six counsellors had been roped in for running the helpline round-the-clock. “Their time has been divided in such a manner to ensure that at least two counsellors remain available all the time,” he said while disclosing that there was a provision for increasing the number of counsellors manning the helpline, based on the need and demand.
He divulged that in case, the first level of counsellor assesses that the student/ caller was facing higher level of anxiety and stress, the caller will be referred to two experienced psychologists from the team of Global Child Wellness Centre, who will further counsel and guide the students as per their expertise. “All this will be monitored by a senior psychiatrist, Dr Priyanka Kalra,” he said.
The DC said: “During the first day of the launch, the helpline has received four calls and more calls were expected as the word spreads.”
According to preliminary details, the students, who have called the helpline so far, have raised issues related to anxiety and inability to sleep due to exam stress.
“Counsellors have given them positive affirmations that the students need to believe in themselves. They counselled them to follow and practise box-breathing technique,” he said.
Jorwal said the helpline was planned to be functional for at least three months and further operation would be decided as per the requirement in future.
In case of any serious/ acute case of mental stress/ anxiety coming to fore, the DC said the first-level counsellors have been trained by the senior psychiatrist on assessing the level of stress the students were facing. “Already, the ASMAAH helpline has protocol in place to escalate the call to two higher level experienced counsellors/ psychologists, if there is an acute case of stress/ anxiety,” he stated while adding that these level-2 psychologists have ample experience in handling the high stress/ anxiety cases.
Exams not end of world: DC
“Today, students are under immense pressure to perform well and achieve high marks. Hence, it is important for parents, teachers and the community to convey to students that exams are not the end of the world and there is no need to fear them. The best approach to handle examinations is to stay calm and tackle each paper one at a time without worrying about the results. The ASMAAH helpline is to help and guide the students in overcoming their fear of exams, providing them with trained listeners, who can support them through tough times of stress and anxiety,” said Jitendra Jorwal, DC.
Free, confidential counselling
If you are feeling stressed about exams or under pressure, you are not alone, call this 24x7 mental health support helpline at 9646470777.
Expert and trained psychologists and psychiatrists will offer free and confidential counselling, guidance to manage exam stress, emotional support for anxiety and pressure, practical tips to stay focused and motivated.
