Mental Health Support on Campus: Why It’s Time Colleges Start Paying Attention
College life in India can look fun from the outside. You make new friends, join clubs, attend fests, and enjoy a bit more freedom than school. But behind all the energy and excitement, many students go through a lot of pressure. They worry about studies, family expectations, jobs, finances, and even personal relationships. All this stress often adds up, and if not addressed on time, it starts affecting their mental health.
In this blog, we’ll talk about why mental health on campus needs more focus, what’s already being done in some places, what students need, and how things can improve. The aim is to share this in simple words that any student or parent can understand.
For regular updates like this on education and student life, visit Scholar.
What is Mental Health Support in Colleges?
Mental health support in colleges means giving students access to someone they can talk to when they feel stressed, anxious, confused, or sad. This could be a trained counselor, a support group, or even a helpline. It also means spreading awareness on campus so that students don’t feel alone or scared to speak up.
This support matters because when students feel mentally healthy, they can focus better, sleep well, build strong friendships, and deal with challenges more confidently.
Why Does It Matter Right Now?
Over the past few years, there has been a clear rise in student mental health issues. The reasons are many:
- Tough competition in exams
- Fear of not getting a job
- Personal pressure from family
- Social pressure and bullying
- Feeling lonely, especially for hostel students
- Lack of sleep, poor eating habits, and burnout
According to surveys done in India, more than half of college students feel anxious or stressed regularly. And most of them don’t ask for help because they either don’t know where to go or feel shy.
Scholar often share real stories and practical advice for students dealing with these concerns.
What Some Colleges Are Doing Right?
A few colleges have already started taking mental health seriously. These are some good examples:
- Ashoka University has a wellness centre where students can speak to trained professionals for free. These sessions are kept private.
- NIT Rourkela runs “Mental Health Week” where students attend workshops and awareness sessions.
- Kerala’s Jeevani Programme has trained mental health professionals placed in colleges across the state. Students can visit them without needing any special appointment.
Such examples show that it’s possible to create a system that listens to students and supports them. You can read about more such efforts on Scholar.
What Students Actually Need?
Here’s what students say they want when it comes to mental health on campus:
| Need | Why It Matters |
| Friendly and trained counselors | So students feel safe while opening up |
| Awareness sessions | So students know it’s okay to talk about feelings |
| Support groups | To speak freely with other students facing similar things |
| Privacy | So nothing they share is discussed outside |
| Flexible timing | So they can access support after class hours too |
When these things are available, students find it easier to ask for help early, which makes recovery quicker and simpler.
Scholar highlights colleges that are working in this direction.
What’s Missing in Most Colleges?
Sadly, many colleges in India still don’t give enough attention to this issue. Here’s what’s often missing:
- No full-time counselor on campus
- No awareness about what mental health means
- No space for students to speak up safely
- No teacher training to spot warning signs
- Students being told to “just handle it” or “stay strong”
This gap between what’s needed and what’s given leads to many students suffering in silence. And the truth is, mental health issues can affect anyone, even students who seem cheerful on the outside.
What Colleges Can Do to Improve?
Making campuses mentally healthier doesn’t need too much money. It needs the right mindset. Here are simple steps colleges can take:
- Hire at least one trained counselor per 500–1000 students
- Add basic mental health info in student handbooks and class orientation
- Create student clubs or peer circles that talk openly about stress and emotions
- Make mental health part of student life, just like sports and academics
- Respect student privacy and avoid judgment
Teachers and principals also need to be trained to support students gently and guide them when needed.
For a list of resources and tools to start mental health support, check Scholar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What if I don’t know how to explain what I’m feeling?
That’s okay. Just start by saying, “I don’t feel okay.” The counselor will guide you.
Q2. Will my college friends know if I visit the counselor?
No. All sessions are private unless you want to share.
Q3. Is talking to a counselor like getting treated in a hospital?
Not at all. It’s like having a helpful chat with someone who knows how to listen and guide.
Q4. What if my college doesn’t have a counselor?
Speak to a teacher you trust or use online helplines until your college sets up a system. You can also find helpful tips on Scholar.
Q5. Can this really help with exam stress or sleep issues?
Yes. Mental health support helps with sleep, focus, memory, and feeling better overall.
Final Thoughts
Mental health is not just about big problems. It’s about daily stress, small worries, and feeling okay to talk when things feel heavy. Colleges must act now and give mental health the same importance as marks, placements, or attendance.
Students need to know that asking for help is not weakness — it’s courage. And with the right support, every student can do well not just in class, but in life.
For more such articles, updates on college support systems, and tips to manage stress in student life, visit Scholar. Scholar keep students informed and supported every step of the way.