How Students Can Manage Stress, Build Resilience, and Break the Stigma Around Mental Health
Introduction
Student life in India is filled with expectations. From exams and career decisions to family pressures and social comparisons, the journey is often stressful. For many, these pressures become overwhelming and affect both mental health and academic performance. The good news is that students can learn practical ways to manage stress, build emotional resilience, and talk openly about mental health without feeling ashamed. This blog explains how students can take control and find healthier ways to cope.
Understanding Student Stress in India
Studies show that stress among students in India is on the rise. The 2025 Student Well Being Pulse Report by IC3 Institute and CISCE found:
- Many students feel sad, unmotivated, or rarely calm (Times of India).
- Late night screen time, poor sleep, and career worries are among the biggest stress factors.
- Students lack access to professional guidance or counselling in many schools and colleges.
- Exam periods are especially stressful. Helplines in cities like Hyderabad receive a rise in calls during exam results season (Times of India).
Practical Steps Students Can Take to Manage Stress
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Time Management and Healthy Routines
- Break study sessions into smaller goals and avoid cramming the night before exams.
- Prioritize sleep. Lack of sleep directly affects mood and stress levels.
- Reduce late night screen use as it disturbs rest and increases anxiety.
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Mindfulness, Relaxation and Physical Care
- Practice yoga, meditation, or simple deep breathing to calm the mind.
- Stay physically active. Even walking or light exercise improves focus and reduces stress.
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Seek Support Early
- Speak with trusted friends, family members, or teachers. Sharing reduces the burden.
- Use national support programs like Tele MANAS, which provides free and confidential mental health counselling (Times of India).
- Access school or college counselling services where available.
Building Resilience
Resilience is the ability to recover quickly from challenges. Students can develop it by:
- Adopting a positive mindset: Treat setbacks as opportunities to learn.
- Problem solving: Break down challenges into smaller parts instead of feeling overwhelmed.
- Strengthening support networks: Stay connected with peers, mentors, or groups that understand your struggles.
- Life skills training: Programs like ANUMATI by The George Institute have shown how life skills can improve coping abilities and reduce stigma.
Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health
Stigma is one of the biggest reasons students do not seek help. Many fear being judged or misunderstood.
Why the Stigma Exists
- Misbelief that mental health struggles are a sign of weakness.
- Lack of awareness about what mental health actually means.
- Social norms that discourage open conversations about emotions.
How Students Can Help Change This
- Speak openly about your own experiences if you are comfortable.
- Support mental health awareness events in your college or school.
- Share correct information and encourage discussions around emotional wellbeing.
- Advocate for including mental health education in classrooms.
Media Recognition of Our Efforts in Student Mental Health
Emotional Enlightenment Foundation Trust’s recent workshop at Government Model Culture Senior Secondary School in Faridabad drew attention in several local media outlets such as Jantantra Today , Hari Bhoomi , Hindustan Ab Tak, Surbhi News, AK News Haryana, and Janta Ki Aawaz News . The program focused on helping students understand stress, anxiety, and depression, and offered strategies for positive thinking, expression of emotions, and building mental strength. Our chairperson Alka Verma highlighted how today’s academic and social pressures can impact students’ mental health, and the principal Suraj Bhan praised the initiative’s impact on both students and the larger community. Open interaction sessions gave students a chance to raise their concerns and learn directly from experts.
Stress is part of every student’s journey, but it does not have to control your life. By creating healthier routines, practicing mindfulness, building resilience, and breaking the silence around mental health, students can not only cope but also thrive.
If you are a student, start with one small step today. Speak to a friend, try a short relaxation practice, or find out if your college shares helpline information. If you are a teacher or parent, create an environment where conversations on mental health are encouraged and supported. Together, we can build a generation that is strong, resilient, and free from stigma.
Contact Us:
Email: donate@eeftrust.org
Phone: +91- 94683 73424
Website: www.eeftrust.org
Address: 8, Jain Mandir Gali, near Tata Motors, Kanhiya Sahib Chowk, Adarsh Nagar, Yamuna Nagar, Haryana 135001.