Mental Health Education in India

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in India, especially among young people. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), over 150,000 people die by suicide each year, and students are among the most vulnerable. Despite this, mental health education is not mandatory in schools, leaving many students struggling in silence.

Why Mental Health Education Matters

1. Rising Student Suicides

* A student dies by suicide every hour in India.

* Academic pressure, family expectations, and social media add to the stress.

* Many suffer alone, afraid of stigma or being dismissed.

2. Lack of Awareness and Stigmatization

* Mental health struggles are often brushed off as "attention-seeking."

* Fear of judgment stops students from reaching out.

* Schools prioritize academics but neglect emotional well-being.

3. The Consequences of Ignoring Mental Health

* Untreated anxiety, depression and other mental health issues can lead to self-harm, substance abuse, and academic decline.

* Emotional distress affects focus, confidence, and future opportunities.

* Early intervention builds resilience and coping skills.

What Needs to Change?

1. Make Mental Health Education Mandatory

* Teach the students about stress management, emotional intelligence, and self-care.

* Train teachers and parents to recognize mental distress.

2. Ensure Schools Have Counselors

* Every school must have trained mental health professionals.

* Regular workshops and anonymous helplines for students.

3. Stronger Government Policies

* The Ministry of Education & Health must create a national mental health program.

* Mental health awareness should be a legal part of education, just like physical health is currently.

Time for Action

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Schools must prepare students not just for exams but for life. We need awareness, education, and policies to prevent unnecessary loss of life.

The petition that is linked below desires to provide just that. Each signature counts as a minimum of 1 million signatures ars required within 100 days before the petition can be submitted before the Supreme Court.

Sign the petition. Demand change. Let’s build a mentally healthier India.

🔗 Sign Here: https://chng.it/FBWLnNrDt2