Student Mental Health Centre

Long study hours, competition, distance from home and uncertainty about results put real pressure on young minds. Stress is normal — but when it starts affecting sleep, mood, health or the ability to study, it deserves care just like any other health problem.

Consultations are confidential and can be done by video from a hostel or PG room. Asking for help early is a sign of good judgement, not weakness.

Guidance for each group

For students (school, coaching, college)

  • Protect 7–8 hours of sleep and a fixed wake-up time — memory consolidation happens during sleep.
  • Study in focused blocks (about 45–50 minutes) with short breaks; keep the phone in another room while studying.
  • Compare yourself with your own last test, not with toppers on social media.
  • Daily movement — even a 20-minute walk — reduces anxiety and improves focus.
  • Talk to someone you trust. If low mood, panic or poor sleep last more than two weeks, consult.
  • Avoid "energy" pills, sleeping pills or substances to cope — they worsen sleep, memory and mood.

For parents

  • Ask "How are you feeling?" before "How many marks?". Children open up when they feel accepted.
  • Watch for changes: withdrawal, irritability, not eating, sleeping all day or all night, falling marks, talk of being a burden.
  • Make it clear that their worth does not depend on one exam; discuss backup options calmly before results.
  • Regular short calls work better than long lectures. Listen more than you advise.
  • Any talk of suicide is an emergency — stay with them, remove dangerous items and call 14416 or 112.

For MBBS and NEET-PG students

  • Medical training brings heavy syllabus, exams, night duties and exposure to suffering. Feeling overwhelmed at times is common.
  • Plan NEET-PG preparation with realistic daily targets and one weekly rest block; long-term consistency beats marathon days.
  • Never self-prescribe sleeping pills, stimulants or antidepressants. Easy access makes this a real risk for medical students.
  • Consulting a psychiatrist is confidential and does not affect your registration or career.

For resident doctors and young professionals

  • Long duty hours, sleep loss and workplace conflict raise the risk of burnout, depression and substance use.
  • Early signs of burnout: emotional exhaustion, cynicism towards patients, feeling ineffective, dreading work.
  • Protect sleep after night duty, eat proper meals and keep at least one personal connection every week.
  • Video consultation can be scheduled around duty rosters.

Student topics

Warning signs that need help soon

  • Talking or writing about death, being a burden or "no way out"
  • Not sleeping for several nights, or sleeping most of the day
  • Stopping meals, classes or calls home
  • New use of alcohol, pills, ganja or other substances
  • Panic attacks before or during exams
  • Giving away belongings or saying goodbye

Frequently asked questions

Will my parents or college be told about my consultation?

Consultations are confidential. Information is shared only with your consent — except when there is a serious risk to your life, when involving family is necessary for your safety.

Will medicines make me sleepy and affect my studies?

Many students need only counselling and lifestyle changes. When medicines are needed, they are chosen to suit study schedules and adjusted if they cause drowsiness.

Can I consult from my hostel in Kota or another city?

Yes. Consultation is by private video call. Choose a quiet time when you can talk freely.

If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, call Tele-MANAS 14416 (free, 24×7) or 112 now.