There is a growing distress among students and faculty as colleges wait for the six-month deadline set by the Supreme Court (SC) to implement mental-health norms.
On 8 January, a circular issued by the Government of Karnataka instructed all schools, coaching centres, universities and other educational institutions to start implementing mental health guidelines set by the SC. The circular states that all the institutions must comply with the mandate in the coming academic year. Previously, the SC had established 15 national guidelines for mental health support in July 2025, which included appointing trained counsellors and psychologists, establishing an organised mental health support system for students.
Campus counsellors across Karnataka have observed how students are struggling with issues from academic pressure to homesickness. This has raised questions among the students themselves and faculty about whether campuses are truly prepared to provide the support the court has stipulated. Experts link the recent rise in concerns related to mental health to the increasing number of individuals who take their lives.
Dr Smita Sail, a professor at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Bangalore elucidated on how youngsters must be trained to navigate mental health and build emotional resilience. She stated “we need to help our youth to identify the difference between normalcy and the real problems.” Sail added that many students at her university have dealt with several psychological issues, including excessive academic workload , failed relationships etc. and that the institution often does not realise how serious the situation is until it is too late.
Shalvi Singh, a child psychologist, pointed out that mental stability involves creating safe spaces and a supportive campus, along with non-judgemental peers. She later explained that when campuses are safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental, students are more likely to feel a sense of belongingness. She also highlighted the importance of training teachers and making them aware of the mental health challenges students face nowadays. Additionally, she emphasised how it helps to create an environment where seeking help is viewed as normal and acceptable, while also signalling that institutions prioritise student well-being alongside academic performance, an approach that aligns closely with the Supreme Court guidelines. She further highlighted “Early interventions can help prevent suicides and mental health crises,” stating that institutions need to take proactive steps and demonstrate full commitment within the required time to ensure that mental health is given as much importance as academic achievement.
Students however, showed concerns about academic stress affecting their emotional well-being. Lee Shania Estebaro, a masters student from Bengaluru University, said that her institution follows a mentor-mentee system in which faculty members are approached primarily for academic concerns. Having relocated to Karnataka, she added that homesickness and loneliness also present huge obstacles in achieving academic success in addition to affecting mental health. Estebaro pointed out how her peers avoid taking professional help and would prefer to use their own self-coping techniques such as journaling.
Ashok Kumar, a professional counsellor and psychologist, emphasised how important it is for teachers to understand warning signs concerning student behaviour, including suicidal thoughts and social withdrawals. “Students are assets for the nation; if they are mentally disturbed, it may affect their life, their family members and parents”, he said, adding that it is important for institutions to have expert counsellors who are well-trained.
