Scaling Mental Health Support in Schools: A New Era for India’s Adolescents #WorldMentalHealthDay

The World Mental Health day, let's reflect on the strides India is making to address the growing mental health challenges its youth face with the report, titled ‘Government Initiatives in School Mental Health in India’. The report is a collaboration between the Sattva Knowledge Institute (SKI) and the School Initiatives for Mental Health Advocacy (SIMHA) at TISS Mumbai. It marks the first-ever comprehensive study of school-level mental health programs across the country.

The findings are striking: over 1.4 crore students from more than 91,000 schools are actively engaged in mental health initiatives. These programs, spread across 22 states, reflect a deepening commitment to creating an environment where mental health is prioritised, not stigmatised.

A Multi-Stakeholder Approach to Mental Health

One of the most compelling aspects of the report is the emphasis on multi-stakeholder collaboration. Schools are working hand-in-hand with NGOs, philanthropic organisations, and academic institutions to develop tailored mental health programs. "In a country as diverse as India, integrating mental health into schools requires the combined efforts of multiple stakeholders," says Rathish Balakrishnan , Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Sattva Consulting. This approach has led to the development of robust programs that address mental health challenges from various angles, including curriculum development and teacher training.

A standout example is Karnataka’s District Mental Health Programme (DMHP). In districts such as Nelamangala, Devanahalli, Doddaballapur, and Hoskote, over 700 teachers have been trained to identify psychiatric disorders like ADHD and autism and have been equipped with basic counselling skills. The program spans all 31 districts of Karnataka and reaches both government and government-aided schools.

Addressing the Growing Mental Health Needs of Adolescents

The need for such initiatives is more pressing than ever. According to the National Mental Health Survey, around 4% of India’s adolescents suffer from anxiety disorders, and a 2014 study estimated that 23% of children and adolescents in India experience psychiatric disorders. With India being home to one-fifth of the world’s adolescent population, this issue is critical for the country’s future.

What makes these mental health programs particularly effective is their multi-tiered approach. This means that schools are not only focusing on mental health promotion and prevention but also offering structured support to students who need clinical interventions. For instance, the School Mental Health and Wellness Initiative by SCERT Sikkim, launched in 2022, takes a comprehensive, multi-tiered approach to addressing students' mental health concerns. Referral systems and clinical support models within such programs provide a crucial lifeline for students with more severe mental health issues.

A Holistic Approach to Mental Wellness

Beyond the numbers, the report sheds light on the diverse and innovative approaches schools are adopting to foster emotional and mental well-being. From mindfulness practices and social-emotional learning to storytelling, games, and art-based activities, schools are finding creative ways to engage students. These approaches not only make mental health education accessible but also normalize it as part of everyday learning.

As Dr. Chetna Duggal , Associate Professor at TISS Mumbai, notes, "It is heartening to see the diverse approaches to mental health being implemented in schools across the country." Programs like these emphasize a systemic and holistic approach, aiming not only to address immediate mental health concerns but to create environments where mental well-being is nurtured and sustained.

Building a Mental Health Future for India’s Schools

This report is a vital step in documenting the government’s efforts in the realm of mental health, particularly in schools. By providing critical insights into both policy design and implementation, it lays the foundation for scaling these initiatives across India.

While significant progress has been made, the work is far from over. With mental health concerns on the rise, particularly in a post-pandemic world, the need for continued investment and expansion of these programs is clear. What is encouraging is the growing recognition that mental health is just as important as physical health and that the younger generation must be equipped to navigate the challenges of modern life with resilience and support.

As we mark #WorldMentalHealthDay, this report serves as both a reminder of the work ahead and a celebration of the transformative impact these programs are already having on millions of students. The future of mental health in India’s schools looks promising, thanks to the collaborative efforts of government bodies, educational institutions, and non-governmental partners working together to ensure that no child is left behind when it comes to mental well-being.

You can access the report here

To share your feedback on this report or collaborate with us to improve student mental health, write to us at [email protected]