Mumbai, 08th October 2024: While the global recognition of mental health’s importance has grown, India still faces urgent challenges. Of an average 250 million school-going students in India, 80% experience various stressors, including academic pressures, peer dynamics, familial expectations, and the constant influence of social media. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) indicates that student suicide rates have doubled in the last ten years, highlighting bullying and self-harm as significant issues. A UNICEF study highlights that many children hesitate to seek mental health support due to societal fears and stigma, emphasising the urgent need for intervention.

Imagine a bright young mind stifled by anxiety or depression, struggling to focus while their peers engage in learning. This scenario is all too familiar for many students in the city’s schools, who face socioeconomic challenges, academic pressure, and difficult family dynamics. Mental health issues often begin in childhood, making schools a critical backdrop for intervention and support. As awareness grows and resources are allocated to address these challenges early on, there is hope for meaningful change.

As a fervent advocate for mental health awareness, Ananya Birla, a businessperson, artist approached IHBAS, a Government of Delhi Institute to together advance mental health and career support for Indian students. The program brings together a dedicated team of psychologists and trains them on various therapeutic techniques. A key approach is art based therapy, which allows children to express themselves more easily through creative outlets. The focus is also on circle time and narrative-based therapy, which encourages children to share their life stories and concerns, if any. The facilitator plays a crucial role in guiding discussions, helping children gain a clearer understanding of their feelings and thoughts.

Ms. Ananya Birla, Founder of the Ananya Birla Foundation, stated, “As we strive to create a healthier and more supportive environment for our youth, it is imperative that we prioritise mental health awareness in schools across the nation. Since July 2024, we have partnered with the Government of Delhi and IHBAS, targeting a total of 30000+ students over nine months, until March 2025. The Ananya Birla Foundation and IHBAS pledge our committed resources towards preventive care and awareness initiatives, in the working hope that the agreeable absolute solution would be to see mental health education as part of our curriculum, throughout the country.”

Prof. (Dr.) Rajinder K. Dhamija, Director at IHBAS, emphasised the importance of uniting like-minded institutions to catalyse greater action for youth mental health. He stated, “IHBAS is delighted to partner with Ananya Birla Foundation to promote mental and emotional wellness in our youth. This collaboration aims to enhance mental health literacy and de-stigmatize issues among school-going children and adolescents.”

The collaboration between the Ananya Birla Foundation and IHBAS (Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences) is a significant step towards addressing the mental health crisis amongst students in Delhi.

Details on the operations by IHBAS:

IHBAS – a tertiary level medical institute under the Govt. of NCT of Delhi (GNCTD) and funded jointly by Government of Delhi and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India that deals with patient care, teaching, training and research activities in the field of mental health, neuro and other allied sciences.

The Government of NCT of Delhi has been working with its schools on a wholistic program called ‘School Mental Health Initiative’ which works on preventive, promotive and curative mental health for students ultimately promoting their well-being. This initiative follows a pilot phase in which educational and vocational guidance counsellors, along with school psychologists, provide counselling to school students. These sessions catered to students from Class VI to XII.

Each school features a clinic where students can share their thoughts with psychologists in private. For more intensive support, a van—Mobile Mental Health Services (MMHU) of IHBAS—equipped with experts visits the school, allowing kids to receive care while remaining in the familiar and safe environment of their school. This approach helps prevent the stigma that may arise from being taken directly to a hospital, which could discourage them from seeking help.

“The schools are strategically selected to ensure that at least one is located in each district, allowing a better understanding of the needs of students across diverse areas. These sessions are integrated into the regular timetable, ensuring they feel just like any other class and helping to eliminate any stigma associated with mental health. Our goal is to encourage children to express themselves freely and seek help when needed. While younger students receive preventive care and awareness initiatives, older students—who often confront more serious challenges such as bullying, substance abuse, and family issues—are provided with more intensive therapy and solutions” said Mr. Shaleen Mitra, Consultant, GNCTD for the project.

“So far the state government has engaged with over 20,638 students through 9980 group sessions. Additionally, the teacher-assist program has sensitised 500+ teachers across Delhi. We have recorded 108 new referrals, with 67 follow ups, leading to 33 students sent for secondary and tertiary treatment at various hospitals, with permission from their caregivers.”