Students and Mental Health in the Screen Era: Awareness and Resilience
Dr. Mohini Mohan Borah
In our fast-paced, technology driven world, mental health has become an increasingly pressing concern, particularly among students. The demands placed on them from academic pressures to social expectations are greater than ever before. The digital age, with its opportunities and challenges, has added a new layer to these pressures. While students now have unprecedented access to global networks, social media platforms have also amplified the sense of comparison and competition, leaving many to struggle in silence. I recently had the privilege of participating in a workshop titled “Empowering Gender in Developing Positive Mental Health: an Approach to Sustainability.” The event was honoured by the presence of Dr. Nilima Bhagawati, a retired professor from Gauhati University, acclaimed educationist, and esteemed social worker, who graced the occasion as the chief guest. Inspired by the insights and discussions from this enriching experience, I felt compelled to share it with you, the reader. Through open discussions, students shared personal struggles and received thoughtful guidance. The event also underscored the impact of social media, where idealised portrayals of success often lead to unhealthy comparisons and diminished self-esteem, emphasizing the need for resilience and positive mental health strategies. Students are continuously exposed to idealized images of others’ lives, which can foster feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and self-doubt. This culture of comparison, where students measure their worth against the seemingly perfect lives of others, can erode their self-esteem and mental well-being.
Students face immense pressure to excel academically, secure internships, and prepare for future careers, often neglecting mental health in the process. Academic demands, career aspirations, and family expectations overshadow emotional well-being, while cultural stigmas make open conversations about mental health difficult. With changing family structures and reduced support networks, many students face loneliness, leading to issues like anxiety, depression, and burnout. Mental health is not just about addressing illness but fostering resilience and emotional strength, which requires consistent nurturing. One often overlooked aspect of mental well-being is moral health—the ability to stay grounded in values, manage emotions, and make ethical decisions even in challenging situations. In many educational systems, students are taught the “how” of academic success—how to study, how to perform well on tests—but they are rarely taught the “why.” Why is it important to believe in oneself? Why should we practice self-compassion, especially when faced with failure? Why is emotional resilience essential for long-term well-being? Equally important is teaching students how to manage stress. While schools and universities focus heavily on academic performance, few institutions provide adequate resources or training in stress management. The ability to cope with stress is one of the most valuable life skills, and yet it is often overlooked in academic curricula. Without proper coping strategies, even the most capable students can find themselves overwhelmed when the pressure becomes too much to bear.
Students, by nature of their age, are particularly vulnerable to mental health challenges. Adolescence and early adulthood are times of self-discovery, when students are forming their identities, developing their aspirations, and navigating complex relationships. This is a time when external pressures—academic, familial, and social—can feel particularly intense. Raising awareness about mental health early on, both at school and at home, is crucial to equipping students with the emotional tools they need to build resilience and face challenges with confidence. A promising solution lies in fostering mentor-mentee relationships. Having a trusted mentor can provide invaluable emotional support, guidance, and reassurance when students face difficulties. A mentor can offer a sense of perspective and understanding, which can make all the difference in helping students navigate the complexities of life. Educational institutions should encourage these relationships by providing opportunities for students to connect with mentors who can offer wisdom, encouragement, and practical advice.
Another critical aspect of improving student mental health is reducing the stigma surrounding professional help. Many students, and even adults, are hesitant to seek support from mental health professionals due to fear of judgement or being labelled as weak. This stigma is harmful and prevents many individuals from receiving the care they need. Just as we would consult a doctor for a physical illness, mental health should be treated with equal seriousness. Early intervention can often prevent more severe conditions from developing, but delaying help out of fear can have long-lasting consequences. Normalising the process of seeking professional help and fostering open conversations about mental well-being are essential steps in breaking down the barriers to mental health care. Family expectations also play a significant role in the mental health of students. Parents, often out of love and concern, may place immense pressure on students to excel academically and secure a successful career. While these expectations are usually well-meaning, they can sometimes create undue stress and lead students to tie their self-worth solely to their achievements. This focus on external success can make students feel inadequate, especially when they face setbacks. It is crucial for families to recognize and celebrate effort, resilience, and personal growth, not just the end results. Positive reinforcement, understanding, and encouragement are key to helping students feel supported, regardless of their achievements.
Social media also plays a profound role in shaping students’ mental health today. While it offers the potential for connection and inspiration, it also perpetuates unrealistic standards of beauty, success, and happiness. The constant exposure to idealized portrayals of life can lead to dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, and anxiety. As a society, we need to be more mindful of the messages we consume and share. Encouraging healthier and more balanced representations of success and well-being can help students build a more realistic and positive view of themselves and their lives.
The willingness to engage in open dialogue about mental health demonstrated the importance of creating spaces where students can talk freely and without judgment. Such conversations are vital in reducing stigma, fostering empathy, and helping students prioritise their emotional well-being. As we continue navigating the complexities of the digital age, it is essential to create environments where students feel safe discussing their mental health and seeking help when necessary. By breaking the silence surrounding mental health and encouraging open, honest conversations, we can ensure that future generations grow up in a world where mental well-being is valued as much as physical health. Through these collective efforts, we can help students build the resilience, emotional strength, and self-compassion they need to thrive in an increasingly challenging world.
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