India's Student Helplines Struggle Amid Rising Mental Health Concerns

“I usually feel stressed whenever exams are coming up. But instead of calling a counsellor, I talk to my sister. I don’t feel comfortable sharing my thoughts with a stranger.”

“My classmates go sometimes, but I haven’t. I think counsellors should make students feel safe and comfortable. If there’s judgment, students will stop going altogether.”

“We have a counsellor who takes sessions once a week for the entire class. But there’s no concept of one-on-one counselling until Class 10. It’s only after that we can have private sessions, and even those are squeezed into lunch breaks.”

“This expert even shared examples of students who had earlier taken counselling, even their names and problems, in front of everyone. That’s not acceptable. Confidentiality is very important if you want students to trust you.”

“Many students approach counselling with preconceived notions because of past bad experiences. Our first task is to build trust and reassure them that their information is safe. Without rapport, therapy cannot begin.”

“What’s needed is a 24×7 helpline with trained psychologists and a physical front desk at institutions where students can register easily. Mental health services should feel accessible, not intimidating.”

“I did reach out to a mental health counsellor when I started high school, but I was told 'Overthinking mat kro, padhai kro' (don't overthink, go study), which is in no way a professional advice. In the end, I opened up to my parents and older sister who helped me calm my nerves through meditation, talking sessions and exercises.”

“When I heard that this is how grown-ups are behaving, I made it a point to not reveal my issues in school, and keep it to my family only. This is why I rely on private counsellors than the government helplines, because I am not sure if they will be willing to openly talk to me.”

“I come from a small city and when I talk to my neighbours, I see the gap between them and their children. Often when I have tried to strike a conversation about this, they have usually chided me with 'this is a part of the childhood', or 'don't want to turn them into a snowflake generation'. So, I see the gap area-wise too.”

“I have had high schoolers who believe that no matter what, they cannot be wrong. But as a counsellor, it is my duty to be patient with them and try to show them the other side of their narrative, while trying to understand them. A patient of mine was angry at her parents, and after conducting some individual and some sessions with parents, I realised that the gap was in the tone that was being used. The youngster took time to understand and put across her point, but at the end, it was my training with her that allowed me to understand from the kid's perspective.”