Mental Health Interventions for Students Underway in 767 Districts
In a recent reply to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav revealed that mental health interventions targeting school and college students are being carried out in 767 districts across the country under the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP). This initiative aims to address the growing concern of mental stress among students in educational institutions.
A Nationwide Programme with a Focus on Students
The National Mental Health Programme is being implemented across the country, with its district mental health programme component sanctioned for implementation in 767 districts. The National Health Mission is providing support to states and union territories to ensure the successful implementation of this programme. The DMHP includes targeted interventions for students, such as life skills education and counselling in schools, training college teachers to work as counsellors, and counselling for out-of-school children with mental health problems.
A Holistic Approach to Mental Health
Under the DMHP, targeted interventions are conducted for school and college students. The programme aims to promote emotional well-being and mental health among students, which is essential for their overall development. By providing life skills education and counselling, the programme helps students manage stress and anxiety, leading to improved academic performance and better mental health.
Strengthening Access to Mental Healthcare
In addition to the DMHP, the government is also working to strengthen access to mental healthcare at the primary healthcare level. More than 1.8 lakh sub-health centres and primary health centres have been upgraded to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, where mental health services have been included in the package of services provided under comprehensive primary health care. This initiative aims to ensure that mental health services are accessible to people in rural and urban areas, reducing the burden on specialized mental health facilities.
A Dedicated Module for Emotional Well-being
The government has also incorporated “emotional well-being and mental health” as a dedicated module under the Ayushman Bharat School Health and Wellness Programme. This module aims to promote the emotional well-being of students and provide them with the necessary skills to manage stress and anxiety.
A Call for Mandatory Counselling Services
While the government’s initiatives are commendable, there is still a need for mandatory counselling services for parents. The absence of a separate nationwide framework for mandatory counselling services for parents is a concern that needs to be addressed. Similarly, the appointment of qualified psychiatrists and counsellors in every educational institution should be made mandatory to ensure that students receive the necessary support and guidance.
Conclusion
The government’s efforts to address mental health concerns among students are a welcome step. However, more needs to be done to ensure that students receive the necessary support and guidance. By making counselling services mandatory for parents and appointing qualified psychiatrists and counsellors in every educational institution, the government can ensure that students receive comprehensive mental health support.