?? Silent Struggles: Mental Health and Resilience Among India’s Aspiring Scholars ??
The Journey They Don’t Tell You About ??
In the quiet hours before dawn, while the world sleeps ??, thousands of scholars are awake, hunched over desks ?? or immersed in the blue glow of screens. In a nation that worships success as the ultimate goal ??, the pursuit of knowledge often hides a more silent, unspoken battle. The life of a PhD scholar or a competitive exam aspirant isn’t just about books and brilliance. They are the dreamers, the warriors of knowledge ????.
From PhD scholars writing endless drafts ?? to those brave enough to take on exams like NEET, JEE, IAS, or CA—not once, not twice, but as many times as it takes ??. But beneath this relentless drive ??, lies a fragile spirit that often teeters on the edge. We celebrate the IITian or the PhD holder ??, but do we ever pause to understand the unseen burdens they bear? ??
"What happens to a dream deferred?" Langston Hughes once asked, as if he’d foreseen the lives of our scholars, who trade daylight for deadlines, aspirations for approvals. Yet, here in India, we cheer when they achieve, but what about the times when they don’t? ??
It’s an environment of intense pressure, solitude, and sometimes... it’s terrifying ????.
?? Let’s not just celebrate their success but also support them in their struggles. Their journey deserves more than admiration—it deserves empathy. ??
?? The Shadow Side of Ambition ??
Pursuing a PhD or preparing for competitive exams isn’t just “studying.” It’s an all-encompassing commitment ??. Imagine waking up every day with the weight of expectations on your shoulders ??—the relentless pressure to prove yourself, not just to the world ??, but to yourself that whispers, “Was all this worth it?” ??
PhD scholars, especially, bear a unique burden. Long hours blend into longer days, filled with work not seen by others ???. Days turn into weeks, weeks into months, as experiments fail and theories collapse ??. “Why do you still do it?” people ask. The reality? Many don’t know how to stop ??. Academia is like a slow dance with uncertainty—one that can pull you into despair. And for those preparing for exams like IAS or JEE, the world expects them to just keep trying as if resilience is a well that never dries up ?.
?? The Social Puzzle: Family and Society’s Role ??
In India, education is sacred and celebrated as the stepping stone to success ??. But a PhD or competitive exam? That’s where the love gets complicated ??. Families support schooling, maybe college, but PhDs and repeated exam attempts can seem "too much" ??. Parents, with good intentions, may say, “You’ve been studying for so long; isn’t it time to settle down?” ??
For the unmarried, there’s the added pressure to "focus on your future family" ????. And for those who are married? Their journey is a balancing act worthy of an Olympic medal ??. Imagine coming home after a 12-hour day of research ??, only to be told, “Don’t you have any time for us?” ?? These scholars straddle two worlds ??, both of which demand more than they have to give. We celebrate their dreams ?, but do we support them when they wake up with nothing but another rejection email ?? in their inbox?
Perhaps what we fail to see is that these scholars aren’t just balancing research or preparation—they’re balancing the fragile hopes of a family ????????, the expectations of a community ???, and the gnawing doubts in their own minds ??. As a society, should we question them on when they’ll “finish” or should we ask, “How can we support you?” ??
?? The Dark Statistics: Mental Health and Rising Suicides ??
Suicides among PhD students are rising ??. It’s a statistic that should haunt us all. Every year, bright, passionate minds lose their battle with academic despair ??, struggling in silence until they break. Depression, anxiety, burnout—they’re as real as any academic deadline ?, yet far more isolating ???. Impostor syndrome festers in the quiet, whispering, “Everyone else is succeeding. What’s wrong with you?” ??
The irony of perfectionism is that it whispers promises of excellence ??, yet delivers sleepless nights ?? and endless anxiety ??. When perfection becomes the goal, every rejection feels like a knife in the soul ???, every failed attempt a scar ??. It’s a reality that haunts many—a harsh reminder that academia, much like the pursuit of competitive exams, can be unforgiving ??.
We see the top-ranking officers ??, the gold-medal researchers ??. But what about those who struggled, who stumbled, and who walked away feeling defeated? ?? Why do we only remember the finish line ?? and forget the miles of silent suffering ????
As these aspirants bend under the weight of self-doubt, depression, and burnout ??, one wonders—Do we measure the worth of a scholar by their resilience or their results? For those taking competitive exams, it’s the same ??. Each time they fail, it’s not just a “missed opportunity.” It’s a heartbreak ??. Family and friends may say, “Next time you’ll get it,” but sometimes, those words feel hollow ???. Why don’t we recognize that failure isn’t weakness? Instead of pushing them harder, maybe we need to say, “It’s okay to pause, to breathe.” ???
? Let’s support them, not just celebrate them. ?
Mental Disorders: Silent Battles Within ?? In this world of sleepless nights and relentless pursuits, mental health isn’t just an issue; it’s an epidemic. Many of these scholars suffer from depression, anxiety, and extreme fatigue—often masked by a smile and a well-worn “I’m fine.” Alliteration speaks of “fragile fortitude,” where they push forward on sheer will, while their minds beg for a break. ?? Impostor syndrome, burnout, even PTSD-like symptoms—they’re all part of this journey. If only they had a space to say, “I’m struggling.” But in academia, vulnerability is mistaken for weakness. So they stay quiet, and the burden grows heavier.
What Society Must Understand: Beyond Numbers and Titles ?? We ask: When did we start measuring success by titles alone? In the quest for “Doctor” or “IAS,” have we forgotten the person beneath the title? Have we forgotten that even the strongest minds can shatter under pressure? ?????? Families, too, play a part. When a son or daughter fails an exam, it isn’t a license to judge. Failure doesn’t mean they didn’t try hard enough—it’s a moment for empathy, not expectations. Imagine telling a child, “No matter the outcome, you have my support.” Imagine the relief, the safety they’d feel. For scholars, failure is not a defeat, but a lesson. But they need to know that the world around them sees it that way, too. ?? Remember that unconditional support is not about celebrating only results but valuing effort. Stand beside them, especially in moments of defeat. Perhaps, instead of saying, “Try again next time,” consider saying, “Take a break if you need it. We’re proud of you regardless.” True support doesn’t pressure—it reassures.
Society, too, has a part to play. Let’s stop equating failure with shame and success with worth. Let’s build a culture where a PhD student, an IAS aspirant, or a CA candidate can openly talk about their struggles without fear of being judged. After all, is it not cruel to demand excellence without compassion? And to those students and scholars facing setbacks: Remember, resilience is not about never failing. It’s about allowing yourself to fall and daring to rise again. ?? ?? Remember that every “no” doesn’t define you. Redefine failure not as a dead-end but as a recalibration. In those dark times, remind yourself—you’re not just fighting for a degree or a position; you’re fighting for your dreams, your growth, your journey.
The Bigger Picture: Redefining Success in Academic India ?? Isn’t it time we redefine success in academia? Why must we place all our applause at the end, at the award ceremonies, when there’s a beauty in the journey, in the learning, in the moments of doubt that make us human? ?? And for those rare times when they do take a break, when they finally set aside the books and screens to catch a breath, to laugh, to see friends, or even just to do nothing—let them rest. Ranting or questioning, “How can you relax when you have so much work?” only tightens the chains of stress and guilt. ?? A break isn’t failure; it’s fuel—something every scholar needs to keep going, to stay healthy, and to remember why they started. A few days of fun is not a betrayal of ambition; it’s a celebration of resilience. ?? So, to families and friends: support their downtime, as well as their grind. This balance might be the single greatest gift you can offer them. ?? Every scholar, every aspirant, every soul who dares to dream beyond the “safe” choices—they’re fighting a battle that’s unseen. As a society, we owe it to them to create a kinder, more empathetic space. Let us remind them, and ourselves, that while not everyone reaches the summit, every climb has value, every journey has purpose, and every soul deserves to be seen, heard, and cherished.
Healing Together: Building a Path to Resilience ?? So what can we do? Start with compassion. Instead of pushing harder, maybe we let them pause. Families can offer support by recognizing the emotional effort, not just the results. Institutions must do more, too. Counsellors should be as accessible as classrooms. Scholars should be able to seek help without shame, and without the fear of being labelled as “weak.” ?? For students and scholars: take a break without guilt. Learn to say no to unrealistic demands, even your own. Remember that your worth isn’t measured by achievements alone. Embrace failures as a stepping stone, not a stop sign
?? The Heart of Success: A Society That Understands ??
To build a resilient society, we need to redefine success. Titles fade, but a healthy mind lasts a lifetime. Let’s create a culture that values mental health as much as we do achievement. Let’s remind our scholars that they’re not alone, that every struggle is valid, and that the world is better with them in it. ??
In this, perhaps, lies our greatest test—not in exams, not in degrees, but in how we support each other in the quiet moments when the world isn’t watching. ??
To every scholar reading this, remember: the world may measure you by your achievements, but true success is in your courage to keep going, to ask for help, to rest when you need, and to rise when you’re ready. ?? It’s in your resilience to believe, even in moments of darkness, that you are more than your failures. You are the quiet strength of dreams unfolding. ???
?? Finding Support: You Don’t Have to Face This Alone ??
If you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone, and there are people ready to help. Reaching out is the first, brave step. Here are some helplines and support resources available in India, specifically for mental health assistance: ??
Remember: It’s okay to ask for help. There’s no shame in seeking support—counselors, support groups, friends, and family can help you find ways to manage stress and restore your mental and emotional well-being. Taking care of yourself is part of your journey, and your resilience is as much about knowing when to rest as it is about pushing forward. ??