Behind Every Marksheet Is a Mind That Matters
What if the student who scores the highest marks in the class, is also the one silently struggling the most? What if the child who suddenly stops attending school isn’t lazy or uninterested, but overwhelmed by circumstances nobody has taken the time to understand?
Every year, we celebrate students who top examinations, secure prestigious college admissions and achieve extraordinary academic success. Their photographs appear in newspapers, their achievements become family celebrations, and their stories inspire thousands.
But behind these success stories lies another reality — millions of young people are dealing with anxiety, emotional exhaustion, loneliness, fear of failure and uncertainty about their futures.
On World Mental Health Day, October 10, it is time to ask an important question:
Are we preparing our students only to succeed in examinations, or are we also preparing them to live emotionally healthy lives?
This year’s official World Health Organization theme, “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change,” reminds us that meaningful mental health awareness begins with listening to people who experience these challenges, including young people themselves.
The Numbers Behind the Silence
Mental health challenges among young people are increasingly concerning.
- 1 in 7: Adolescents aged 10–19 worldwide experience a mental health condition (WHO, 2025).
- 14%: Young Indians aged 15–24 surveyed reported frequently feeling depressed or losing interest in activities (UNICEF, 2021).
Research by international organisations and Indian government agencies reveals the scale of the problem.
Depression: More Than Feeling Sad
According to WHO (2025), approximately 3.4% of adolescents aged 15–19 experience depression, while 5.3% experience anxiety disorders.
Depression is more than temporary sadness. It can affect concentration, sleep, motivation, relationships and academic performance. Students may withdraw socially, lose interest in activities or experience persistent hopelessness.
UNICEF’s findings indicate that emotional distress affects many young Indians. However, self-reported symptoms should not be confused with clinically diagnosed depression.
Sometimes, the student needing support is not visibly upset but unusually silent.
When Academic Pressure Becomes Emotional Pressure
Preparing for JEE, NEET and board examinations can involve demanding schedules and constant performance expectations. NCERT’s 2022 survey of approximately 3.79 lakh students found that 81% identified academic activities as causes of anxiety.
Without adequate rest and emotional support, this pressure can become overwhelming.
Examinations should assess knowledge, not determine a student’s worth.
School Dropouts: A Concern Beyond Academics
India’s UDISE+ data show that secondary-stage dropout rates declined from 8.2% in 2024–25 to 7.0% in 2025–26.
Although encouraging, school dropout remains a concern. Financial hardship, migration, family responsibilities, discrimination and academic difficulties contribute to interrupted education. Mental health challenges may also affect attendance and learning.
However, dropout statistics cannot directly establish the number of students leaving education because of depression or anxiety.
Every student deserves support before circumstances force them to abandon education.
Student Suicides: The Need for Early Support.
National Crime Records Bureau data recorded 14,488 student deaths by suicide in India during 2024, compared with 13,892 in 2023—an increase of approximately 4.3%.
Each death represents an irreplaceable human life.
Suicide has complex causes, including psychological, social, personal and financial circumstances. It should never be attributed to academic pressure alone.
Recent incidents in educational institutions further highlight the need for accessible counselling, early intervention and supportive learning environments.
Seven Ways Students Can Protect Their Mental Health
- Study strategically: Set realistic goals, divide lessons into manageable tasks and take regular breaks.
- Prioritise sleep: Teenagers generally require 8–10 hours of sleep for healthy functioning.
- Stay physically active: Walking, sports, yoga and outdoor activities can help reduce stress.
- Avoid unhealthy comparisons: Academic progress differs for every student. Focus on your own progress, rather than other’s result.
- Express your feelings: Speak openly with trusted friends, parents, teachers or counsellors.
- Practise relaxation: Deep breathing, mindfulness and journaling can support emotional balance.
- Seek professional help: Persistent sadness, anxiety or hopelessness warrants appropriate professional attention.
Self-care helps, but professional treatment may be necessary when difficulties interfere with everyday life.
Parents and Teachers: Your Support Matters
A student’s confidence should never depend entirely on examination results.
Schools must provide accessible counselling, address bullying, promote healthy study schedules and encourage conversations about emotional well-being.
A successful education system should nurture both academic excellence and mental resilience.
India Is Strengthening Mental Health Support
India’s Tele-MANAS service offers free, round-the-clock mental health support. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s October 2026 update, the service has received more than 47.75 lakh calls since its launch in October 2022.
Students, parents and caregivers can contact the service for emotional support and guidance.
From Awareness to Action
World Mental Health Day 2026 reminds us that awareness must translate into meaningful action.
As digital learning, artificial intelligence and competitive examinations reshape education, emotional well-being must receive equal attention.
Students should learn to manage disappointment, cope with uncertainty and seek help without embarrassment.
Conclusion: A Student Is More Than a Percentage
A report card measures academic performance, not kindness, creativity, courage or potential.
Examinations can be attempted again. Career paths can change. Opportunities can emerge unexpectedly.
What matters most is ensuring that students feel supported throughout their journey.
This World Mental Health Day, let us create learning environments where ambition grows without fear and no student feels alone.
A bright future begins with a healthy mind, not just high marks.
