Mpower, the mental healthcare initiative of the Aditya Birla Education Trust has unveiled concerning statistics from a survey conducted across 30 colleges in India. The survey, part of Mpower's ‘HOPE’ campaign, revealed that 67.3 per cent of students have experienced hopelessness, with academic pressures cited as the primary cause of distress for 58.4 per cent of respondents.
Despite the widespread mental health challenges, only 15 per cent of students reported seeking help from a psychologist. Alarmingly, 58 per cent of students would turn to a friend first during a crisis, while only 2 per cent would approach a counsellor or professor, revealing significant gaps in mental health support within educational institutions.
The survey further revealed that 94.4 per cent of students had never utilised a suicide prevention toolkit or mental health first aid resources. Only 31 per cent could identify critical suicide warning signs, such as social withdrawal. However, 62 per cent said they would offer non-judgmental support if a friend confided in them about suicidal thoughts.
“These survey findings are a wake-up call,” said Parveen Shaikh, Vice President-Operations at Mpower. “It is deeply concerning that such a large percentage of our youth feel hopeless due to academic pressure. Through our ‘HOPE’ campaign, we aim to provide a nurturing environment where students can thrive emotionally and academically.”
As part of the HOPE campaign, Mpower organised canvas painting activities across colleges in Delhi, Goa, Kolkata, and Kota, with students collaboratively creating a message of hope: “HOPE: Hold On, Persist & Emerge.” Additionally, 42 colleges involved in the COPE (Counseling and Outreach for Peer Empowerment) program participated in street plays and ‘Open Mike’ sessions to spread awareness about suicide prevention.
The campaign aims to reach over 1 lakh students, providing them with information about suicide prevention and promoting the Mental Health Helpline number 1800-120-8200-50 for those in need of support.
Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson of Mpower, highlighted the importance of a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention. “While the government’s steps, such as appointing psychologists in high-pressure environments and implementing preventive measures, are crucial, suicide prevention is a broader social issue. We must continue to break the stigma surrounding mental health and promote help-seeking behavior,” she said.
Birla further emphasised the need for early interventions, stating, “Mental health issues often begin at a young age. Integrating mental health curricula into schools is vital to building resilience among youth. Through our COPE initiative, we are committed to empowering young minds to navigate their mental health journeys and lead fulfilling lives.”
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