Navigating student life: 5 key strategies to unlock mental well-being

According to the survey findings of UNICEF for 21 countries in The State of the World’s Children 2021 report, one in seven youngsters between 15 and 24 years in India reported some form of poor mental health, such as feelings of depression or disinterest.

Stress can have a significant impact on mental well-being, and it is a prevalent issue in today’s fast-paced and demanding world. Moreover, when it comes to the mental well-being of students, it is a crucial aspect of their overall health and academic success.

Poor mental health can lead to anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and relationship issues. However, there are many ways for students to improve their mental health and maintain a healthy mind. Swati Singh, a Faridabad-based psychologist and an alumna of Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri, said that since there is still so much stigma attached to mental health in our country, parents must talk about the issue with their kids. “It is just as important as talking about and caring for one’s physical health,” Singh asserted.

Mental health is an umbrella term. When we talk about mental health, it includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. “Our mental state impacts how we think and act. Therefore, it is important to practice good mental health. This is only possible if we understand what it entails at home and in school,” Singh said.

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“Poor mental health doesn’t mean that the child is crazy; it only means that due to lack of validation, the child is emotionally upset. When the kid is emotionally upset, it will impact physical health as well. Mind and body are interconnected”

–Swati Singh, a Faridabad-based psychologist and an alumna of Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri

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As a practitioner, Singh receives many parents who come to her with concerns about their ward exhibiting strange behaviour. “He/she is not the same person, and they don’t know how to deal with it. The number of parents with this complaint has been steadily rising. And the major reason for this stems from the constant validation that individuals seek on social media, which is not possible,” Singh opined.

The fallout of not addressing the core issues – mental well-being – can have a cascading effect on several things. “Grades are a major one for students. Despite the awareness that is being created and spread, parents still don’t want to acknowledge that maybe something is not right. They want to live in the bubble that all is well. Poor mental health doesn’t mean that the child is crazy; it only means that due to lack of validation, the child is emotionally upset. When the kid is emotionally upset, it will impact physical health as well. Mind and body are interconnected,” Singh said.

And that is the reason why, when endorphins are released, we are happy, Singh explained. “Hence, the stress on children to go out and play and engage in physical activity. When we are happy, endorphins (happy hormones) are released. If our body is healthy, the mind is healthy, and vice versa,” Singh said.

Dr Sanjay Chugh, a neuro-psychiatrist in Delhi, explained that if the human body is viewed as a symphony or an orchestra, then the brain is the master conductor. Whatever is happening in any part of the body is being controlled by what happens inside the brain.

“Good mental health will ensure the optimum functioning of all the organs of the body; if mental health is suboptimal, then different organs will start to take a hit, which, in turn, will impact the brain. When we talk about the brain and the ill effects on the brain of a growing child, they completely rely on their emotional and psychological well-being to develop the most fundamental pillars,” Dr Chugh said.

The emotional and psychological well-being are the foundations of the child’s personality, which include self-confidence, self-image, and self-concept. “If the brain is healthy, these develop in a healthy fashion. If the brain is not healthy, these will be compromised. This means no self-confidence, poor self-esteem, and negative self-image. All of this is going to reflect in a huge way on personal, interpersonal, or social well-being, and occupational well-being. In the child’s case, it will be academics,” Dr Chugh opined.

In other words, the child’s ability to concentrate is impacted, attention is affected, retention power is affected, and memory is impacted. The child is likely to be very distractible. Therefore, mental well-being is of paramount importance to a child’s overall health,” Dr Chugh added.

Five effective strategies that parents can follow to help their child:

Practice self-care: Encourage your kid to practice self-care. This includes activities and practices that help them maintain physical, emotional, and mental health. It could be anything from playing video games to taking a walk.

Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can lead to mood swings and difficulty concentrating. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night. Create a bedtime routine like reading a book or taking a warm bath.

Connect with others: We need social connections to maintain good mental health. Make an effort to connect with family and friends regularly.

Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet can improve mental health by providing the nutrients our brains need to function properly. Parents must give their child a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.

Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is a technique that involves being present in the moment and paying attention to thoughts and feelings without judgment. It has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve overall well-being. Encourage your teenager to try practicing mindfulness meditation.