Counselling must for students: Psychologist

Even the Madras High Court has directed the state government to constitute a committee to assess the issues school students face and also conduct counselling and orientation programme for both teachers and students. Mental health experts welcome the move, but they also point that the first step towards solving a problem is acknowledging it. Psychologist Dr Mini Rao says, “One session is just not enough but there should be one person in every school who must be approachable to every student.

People who take this extreme step act on an instinct as they feel they have nothing to live for. Talking to someone can calm them down and lives can be saved.”

Mental health continues to be taboo and parents avoid sending to mental health specialists. Dr Mini says, 

“The schools have more awareness on this and must encourage students to see a specialist.

I have approached many schools myself and their reaction has been appalling. For instance, one Vice Principal told me that teachers cannot be too accessible to the students as the students will take ‘advantage’ of them. I don’t know what that even means.

They also refuse to hire specialists because that will be bad for school’s reputation.” B Elayaraja, a counselling psychologist at the government’s 104 helpline, also points out, “There should be proper awareness in educational institutions about mental health.

People often relate counselling to mental illness. Educational institutions should have counsellors who meet them on a regular basis. When teachers spot changes in students, they must help the students immediately or guide them towards a professional.”

T Venkatesh, a government school teacher, says, “Apart from teaching the students, teachers are burdened with numerous other activities like the examination work.

We are not paid well and we have problems at home too. The government should ensure that regular counselling sessions be provided to the teachers.”