Mental health concerns among students have become one of the most pressing issues in India’s higher education system. In recent years, reports of stress, anxiety, and depression among college students have risen sharply, especially in public universities where academic pressure, social expectations, and uncertainty about the future often combine to create emotional strain. Yet, mental health remains one of the most neglected aspects of campus life. Most universities still treat it as an optional concern rather than a core part of education. Integrating mental health education can help students build resilience, improve focus, and foster a healthier learning environment.
I chose to write about this topic because mental well-being is deeply connected to the quality of education and the kind of society we create. In my view, public universities are not just institutions for academic learning—they shape young minds who will lead our future. When students struggle silently with mental distress, their potential remains untapped, and the system fails them. Addressing mental health through structured education, awareness programmes, and counselling support can transform how universities function. It’s time we see mental health not as a separate subject but as an essential life skill that every student deserves to learn.
Understanding the Mental Health Crisis in Campuses
India has one of the largest networks of public universities, enrolling millions of students from diverse backgrounds. But behind this diversity lies a growing mental health crisis. Many students, particularly from economically weaker sections or rural areas, face the additional pressure of adjusting to urban life, managing finances, and competing in a demanding academic space.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), student suicides in India have been steadily increasing, with stress from academics and career uncertainty often cited as major reasons. This points to an urgent need for mental health awareness and education at the university level.
Public universities, often underfunded and overburdened, struggle to provide adequate counselling services. In some institutions, there are no trained psychologists or counsellors on campus. As a result, mental health issues often remain unrecognised until they escalate into crises.
Why Mental Health Education Matters
Mental health education is not just about offering counselling sessions or organising workshops. It is about creating a culture where students understand their emotions, learn to manage stress, and seek help without fear or stigma.
When universities introduce mental health education as part of the curriculum, it normalises conversations around emotional well-being. Students learn coping skills, empathy, and communication—skills as vital as academic knowledge. Such education also empowers teachers to identify early signs of distress among students and provide timely support.
Countries like the UK and Australia have already integrated mental health modules in higher education to help students balance academic and personal pressures. India’s public universities can learn from these examples and develop culturally relevant programmes that reflect local realities and challenges.
Building a Supportive Campus Environment
To truly embrace mental health education, universities need a three-layered approach—awareness, accessibility, and action.
1. Awareness: Regular workshops, seminars, and discussions can help break the stigma around mental health. Peer-led initiatives can be particularly effective since students often feel more comfortable talking to fellow students.
2. Accessibility: Every university should have a functional counselling centre with trained professionals. Mental health support should be available both online and offline so that students can seek help without hesitation.
3. Action: Universities must include mental health topics in orientation programmes and academic courses. Training faculty members to handle sensitive situations and encouraging open dialogue in classrooms can create lasting change.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has already recommended mental health and well-being initiatives under the “Deeksharambh” student induction programme. However, proper implementation remains patchy. Making these recommendations mandatory for all universities could be a major step forward.
Learning from Examples
Some universities in India have already begun taking positive steps. The University of Delhi, for instance, launched a “Student Counselling and Guidance Centre,” while IIT Madras runs peer support programmes where trained students act as mental health ambassadors. Similarly, TISS Mumbai has incorporated psychosocial training into its student activities, linking mental health with social development.
These small yet impactful measures show that progress is possible when mental health is treated as a priority. With consistent funding and policy support, similar models can be replicated across all public universities in the country.
