The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad recently hosted a comprehensive conclave focusing on mental health support and student well-being in higher education institutions (HEIs). The two-day event, known as National Wellbeing Conclave, brought together representatives from various IITs, government bodies, mental health experts, and student counsellors to discuss how mental health initiatives can be effectively integrated into higher education frameworks. With rising concerns around student stress and mental health issues, the conclave sought to create actionable recommendations aimed at improving campus mental health resources across the country.
The primary objective of the conclave was to examine current challenges and propose policy-based solutions for mental health integration in universities and colleges. This initiative comes as the University Grants Commission (UGC) and other authorities continue to release guidelines encouraging HEIs to implement effective mental health strategies and provide necessary support for students. The discussions highlighted not only the urgency of addressing student well-being but also the pressing need for sustainable and data-driven mental health frameworks across India’s educational landscape.
Why Students’ Mental Health is a Growing Concern for IITs and HEIs
In recent years, mental health issues among students in India’s higher education institutions have become a critical concern. According to data from the Ministry of Education, suicide rates among students have seen a notable rise, with 2023 marking an increase of 14% in student suicides compared to the previous year. This issue has been especially prevalent at premier institutes like IITs, where students face immense academic pressure.
A recent collaborative study by researchers from NIMHANS, the University of Melbourne, and various Indian academic institutions has revealed alarming rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among college students in India. Published in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, the study surveyed 8,542 students from 30 universities across 15 cities, finding that 18.8% of students had considered suicide at some point, and 6.7% had attempted it. Moderate to severe symptoms of depression affected 33.6% of students, while 23.2% reported similar levels of anxiety.
Another survey, IC3 report, sheds light on the rate of student suicides in India in the recent years. This report suggests that there has been a slight decline in the number of student suicides from 13,089 in 2021 to 13,044 in 2022. Their findings reveal that Maharashtra remains the state with the highest number of cases, accounting for 14% of the national total. Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh follow, with 11% and 10% of student suicides, respectively.
Recognising the severity of the issue, the University Grants Commission (UGC) issued guidelines in August 2023, urging universities to adopt mental health counselling systems, provide stress-management training, and establish peer support networks. The UGC also mandated HEIs to create well-being centres on campuses to offer round-the-clock mental health support. These guidelines mark a significant step in shifting the focus from academic excellence alone to fostering holistic student welfare.
In a further demonstration of the importance placed on mental health, the Union Finance Minister, Ms Nirmala Sitharaman, highlighted mental health in the Economic Survey of India for 2023-2024. The survey underscored that one in three students at HEIs experience moderate to severe stress levels, largely due to academic pressure and a lack of support networks. Ms Sitharaman called for more investment in mental health resources within educational institutions, emphasising that student well-being directly impacts academic success and employability.
Failure to address these mental health concerns can have far-reaching consequences, including reduced productivity, higher dropout rates, and increased instances of depression and anxiety among students. Without proactive mental health frameworks, HEIs risk compromising students’ academic and personal lives, leading to a loss of valuable talent and diminished contributions to the nation’s workforce. Studies from the Indian Journal of Psychiatry further show that unresolved mental health issues among young adults can result in long-term emotional distress and negatively affect their career trajectories.
Initiatives by IITs to Promote Mental Health Well-being
In response to these growing concerns, several IITs have introduced dedicated mental health programmes aimed at supporting student well-being. These initiatives represent structured efforts to provide mental health care and create inclusive environments on campuses.
• Sunshine Buddy Program at IIT Hyderabad: The Sunshine Buddy Program launched by IIT Hyderabad connects first-year students with trained mentors known as “Sunshine Buddies.” These buddies provide emotional support and guidance, especially during the critical transition period into college life. According to the Student Affairs Office at IIT Hyderabad, the Sunshine Buddy Program has shown promising results, with an internal survey indicating that 85% of first-year students felt more supported and confident in managing stress thanks to their mentors.
The programme not only aims to provide companionship but also to destigmatise mental health discussions among students. The support structure encourages students to reach out for help without fear, making it easier for them to cope with academic and personal challenges.
• Healo Program at IIT Bombay: IIT Bombay introduced the Healo Program to offer specialised counselling services and mindfulness workshops aimed at reducing academic stress. The programme provides students with access to certified counsellors and peer support groups. Data from IIT Bombay’s Wellness Centre in 2023 indicates that students who participated in the Healo Program demonstrated a 30% improvement in their emotional well-being over the academic year.
With monthly workshops on stress management, meditation, and cognitive behavioural techniques, the Healo Program offers a comprehensive approach to managing mental health. The initiative also leverages technology by offering online counselling sessions to make mental health support more accessible.
• Be Happy (Kushal) Program at IIT Madras: At IIT Madras, the “Kushal” or Be Happy Program promotes a culture of happiness and emotional resilience among students. The programme offers group counselling sessions, meditation, and physical activities like yoga and mindfulness exercises to create a positive environment on campus. According to a report from the IIT Madras Mental Health Cell, 76% of students reported an improved sense of community and well-being after participating in Kushal sessions.
Furthermore, the Be Happy Program is structured to encourage students to adopt healthier lifestyles, focusing on balanced routines that include adequate rest, exercise, and stress management practices. This initiative has proven beneficial in addressing issues such as burnout, anxiety, and isolation, and fosters a collaborative atmosphere that prioritises mental health.
Integrating Mental Health in Higher Education
Integrating mental health into the educational framework is no longer an option but a necessity. India’s premier institutions, including IITs, have set a strong precedent with successful programmes that other HEIs can replicate. By ensuring mental health support systems are readily available, institutions can foster a culture of well-being and resilience among students.
With the combined efforts of government guidelines, policy shifts, and innovative programmes from individual institutions, India’s higher education sector is moving towards a more inclusive and supportive environment. As student needs continue to evolve, it is crucial that mental health remains a priority for educational policymakers and institutions alike.
