Mental health professionals call for urgent reforms in colleges and at home.
New Delhi: In light of the recent tragic death of a student from Delhi University, mental health professionals are urgently calling for structured emotional support systems within academic institutions. They stress the necessity for every university campus to house dedicated mental health counselors. Simultaneously, families are urged to foster open, empathetic, and non-judgmental communication with their children to combat the escalating mental health crisis among the youth effectively.
“Many students endure their pain in silence,” says Deeksha Parthsarthy, a psychologist at PSRI Hospital. She explains that students often refrain from seeking help due to fears of judgment, stigma, or doubts about confidentiality. Sometimes, they simply don’t know where to turn even when they’re experiencing intense emotional turmoil. Parthsarthy notes that many young individuals internalize their stress, believing they must manage it independently or assuming their problems aren’t “serious enough” to seek professional help. In several households and communities, mental health is still treated as a taboo subject, further deepening the culture of silence and isolation.
Focusing on the vulnerable transition periods in a young person’s life, Psychiatrist Dr. Sneha Sharma highlights how the shift from school to college—particularly in metropolitan areas—can be emotionally daunting.
“Homesickness, relationship challenges, language differences, and cultural adjustments can profoundly impact a student’s mental well-being,” Sharma said.
She underscores the role of parents during these phases, emphasizing that families must maintain open channels of communication without being overly intrusive. “Engaging in consistent, judgment-free conversations can help students feel secure and emotionally supported,” she added.
Rishi Gupta, a mental health practitioner based in South Delhi, points to the absence of comprehensive institutional support as a core problem.
“Every university should implement a well-structured mental health support system, complete with trained counselors, crisis response teams, and easily accessible mental health resources,” Gupta emphasized.
He further advocates for culturally inclusive services and multilingual outreach to ensure support reaches all students, including those from international and diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Commenting on the vital role faculty members play in identifying early signs of distress, Dr. Avneet Kaur Bhatia, a professor at IP College for Women, Delhi University, notes that educators are often the first to notice when a student is struggling.
“Behaviors such as withdrawal, dropping grades, or regular absenteeism are clear warning signs. Teachers should feel comfortable initiating conversations around these changes,” Bhatia explained.
She added, “While educators are not trained psychologists, they can certainly serve as the initial support system—observing, listening, and directing students toward appropriate help. Creating a compassionate and understanding classroom environment can make a significant difference.”
The message from experts is unified and urgent: with mental health concerns growing on college campuses, it is imperative for institutions, families, and educators to collaborate in ensuring that no student has to face emotional struggles alone.
