TV
By Dr. Durga Prasad Mishra
The recent incident at KIIT University has shaken the nation, highlighting the alarming rise of suicide cases among students. With approximately 1,75,000 people taking their own lives every year in India, it's imperative that we acknowledge the gravity of this issue and take collective responsibility. The lack of mental treatment and counseling has led to this staggering statistic, and it's time we break the silence surrounding mental health.
Counseling is often misconstrued as advice-giving or moral education. However, its true purpose is to empower individuals, boost their self-esteem, and enable them to organize their lives effectively. Unfortunately, even scholars and intellectuals harbor the notion that seeking help is a sign of weakness. It's crucial that we recognize that asking for help is a fundamental human right.
Every individual faces stress at some point in their lives, and students are no exception. The pressure to excel academically, coupled with the challenges of growing up, can take a devastating toll on their mental health. It's our responsibility as educators, parents, and society to provide a supportive ecosystem that encourages open communication and empathy.
The notion that students are "more evolved" than previous generations is a myth. While they may be more physically and mentally developed, they still require guidance and support to navigate the complexities of life. Educational institutions must acknowledge this reality and provide a solid foundation for mental support.
Teachers play a vital role in this process. They must be equipped with the necessary skills and training to understand the minds of their students. It's essential that they foster an environment of trust, empathy, and open communication. Humanity, not just academic excellence, should be the guiding principle in educational institutions.
The age-old adage "prevention is better than cure" holds true in this context. Rather than reacting to tragic events, we must proactively work towards creating a supportive environment that prevents such incidents. This includes activating internal committees, providing counseling services, and encouraging open dialogue.
Ultimately, it's our collective responsibility to ensure that students receive the support they need to thrive. We must recognize that mental health is just as important as academic achievement and take concrete steps to address this crisis.
As we move forward, let's remember that every life lost is a tragedy that could have been prevented. Let's break the silence surrounding mental health, encourage open communication, and provide the necessary support to our students. Together, we can create a safer, more supportive environment that allows our young minds to flourish.
What can we do?
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Encourage open communication: Create a safe space for students to share their thoughts, feelings, and concerns.
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Provide counseling services: Ensure that counseling services are readily available and accessible to all students.
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Activate internal committees: Establish committees that focus on mental health, student well-being, and crisis management.
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Train educators: Equip teachers with the necessary skills and training to understand and support students' mental health needs.
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Promote mental health awareness: Organize workshops, seminars, and campaigns to raise awareness about mental health and reduce stigma.
Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter, safer future for our students.
(The author is the Dean and Principal of the School of Occupational and Physiotherapy at DRIEMS University)
(DISCLAIMER: This is an opinion piece. The views expressed are the author’s own and have nothing to do with OTV’s charter or views. OTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
