In severe cases, students will be referred to the psychiatrist attached to district mental health programme (DMHP)
Hyderabad: Statistics measure the magnitude of the problem of exam stress. From December last to February 7, Tele Manas received 77 calls related to stress, 19 about anxiety and 90 about sleep disturbance.
This is only from among the students who pick the phone and call the helpline. Another 136 calls pertained to revaluation, hall tickets and results.
In severe cases, students will be referred to the psychiatrist attached to district mental health programme (DMHP).
In Hyderabad, they are also referred to subject experts from Gandhi Hospital, the Institute of Mental Health, Erragadda, and the government hospital at King Koti.
The BIE also conducts mental health awareness programmes in government junior colleges in association with the health and family welfare department. Meditation workshops are held in government colleges in collaboration with Heartfulness Education Trust.
“There is a need for greater awareness about mental health services in colleges, just like anti-ragging boards. I feel institutions should have awareness boards about mental health and stress management,” said senior lecturer A.N.S. Shankar Rao. “Students might not be aware of Tele Manas. It is often noted that in some cases, students might be too nervous to open up about what they are going through in life,” he said.
The CBSE has been offering a similar tele-counselling facility on its toll free number 1800-11-8004, which is available from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm on working days. The counselling service, which started on February 1 will continue until April 4.
The CBSE is also providing audio-visual content and podcasts on its website, which covers topics such as stress management, preparation strategies, and overall well-being.
The ICSE board mandates schools to appoint counsellors, who can be in regular touch with the students and parents.
A TGBIE official told Deccan Chronicle, “senior faculty members are identified as counsellors to guide students initially. In cases that require further support, they are referred to certified counsellors.”
S. Saketh, studying in a private junior college, said “A stress management session was held in his college but he did not find it helpful in coping with exam-related stress as it lasted for only an hour. “All issues cannot be addressed in just one session,” he said.
Another student Sai Rohith said. “we have one hour session every two months where they discuss ways to manage stress and overthinking. We can also share personal concerns through email or phone calls.”
Clinical psychologist Baijesh Ramesh noted that “Many institutions struggle to find and retain qualified professionals due to financial constraints or lack of awareness about mental health support, which leave students vulnerable to mental health concerns arising from exam stress, parental pressure and peer competition.”
