Most Junior Colleges Lack Mental Health Counsellors

 Hyderabad: Even more than two decades after the Neerada Reddy Committee recommended setting up mental health counselling facilities in Intermediate colleges to prevent students from taking extreme steps, most colleges have chosen to ignore this recommendation.

The Neerada Reddy committee was appointed in 2001 to probe the matter of suicides of Inter student and recommend measures to prevent them. Terming corporate colleges as “concentration camps”, the committee recommended setting up of mental health counselling facilities in the colleges.

With exam season starting now, students are under immense stress and anxiety. Some colleges offer motivational sessions during examinations, but they are not conducted by trained counsellors.

Stress levels are particularly high in private and corporate junior colleges, where students are supposed to sit in classes for long hours, and junior colleges are often violating guidelines issued by the Board of Intermediate Education (BIE).

Nonetheless, to help students struggling with exam stress, BIE introduced the Tele Manas helpline in 2022, where students can speak to medical officers about their mental health. So far, 809 stress related cases, 83 anxiety cases, and 38 cases of sleep disturbances have been registered.

The board is also conducting mental health awareness programmes in government junior colleges with the help of the health and family welfare department, covering topics like overcoming fear, improving focus, and handling negative thoughts. Additionally, meditation workshops are held in government colleges in collaboration with Heartfulness Education Trust to reduce student stress.

Dr Vishal Akula, a psychiatrist handling Tele Manas calls, said: “In many cases, students struggle to adjust to college and hostel environments, leading to panic attacks, sleep disturbances, and even academic failures.” Further he noted, “Female students are particularly affected by Hyperventilation syndrome with extreme stress, causing breathing difficulties, dizziness, and even unconsciousness.”

According to him, proper sleep, a nutritious diet, and lifestyle changes to help students manage stress. He also advised parents and colleges to stop comparing students.

“Instead focus on creating a healthier learning environment and need for professional counsellors and regular stress management sessions to help students handle exam pressure,” he added.

On a similar note, Prof G. Padmaja, a psychology professor, noted that “Parents and institutions set unrealistic goals, pushing students beyond their limits. Students need recreation and relaxation, rather than focusing only on academic targets 24/7.” She suggested that counselling should start from the time students enter college, not only during exams.

Awareness on mental health and other issues at educational institutions are also a major issue. “There is a need for greater awareness about mental health services in colleges, just like anti-ragging boards, institutions should put up awareness boards about mental health and stress management,” said Senior Lecturer ANS Shankar Rao.

“Due to lack of awareness, students might not know the facility of the Tele Manas. In some cases, students might be unable to open up about what they are going through in life. The subject teachers can give in depth suggestions, exam tips, and important questions which can keep the student on the safe side from exam failure stress,” he added.

A BIE official stated that “senior faculty members are identified as counsellors to guide students initially. In cases that require further support students are referred to certified counsellors.”

A junior college principal said that “from December a senior faculty will assist providing motivational talks and interactive sessions for about an hour.”

However, a student, who wished to remain anonymous, said that “a stress management session was held in college, but I did not find it helpful for exam stress. It was only for an hour, and I felt such issues cannot be addressed in just one session.”

“Only a few colleges have certified counsellors for students,” said Sai Rohith, a student from a private college. “We have a one hour session every two months, where they discuss ways to manage stress and overthinking. If needed, we can also share personal concerns through email or phone.”