By Shubhangi Chauhan
The latest guidelines of the Supreme Court on mental health in higher institutions have already been deployed at Symbiosis International (Deemed University), said its Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences Dr. Rajiv Yeravdekar.
On July 25, the SC mandated all educational institutes in India to install a system to counter the increasing number of cases involving stress, emotional disorders, and suicides among students. The court highlighted the importance of extracurricular activity, a secure environment, and active mental health. Institutions have been mandated to have suicide helplines displayed at prominent places, and they can be charged in case of negligence of student self-harm.
Dr Yeravdekar hailed the judgment, saying that Symbiosis had established the Symbiosis Centre of Emotional Wellbeing (SCEW) many years back, which aimed at addressing these issues. The centre was set up to minimize the stigma, and it offers the services of a team of psychologists, counsellors, life coaches, yoga and art therapists, and psychiatrists.
He has described how SCEW has a three-fold strategy: destigmatisation, over-dependence on medicines, and education. In addition to counselling, the university has also implemented academic programmes in behavioural sciences to educate and raise awareness.
September, which stands as the national suicide prevention month, will involve several initiatives at Symbiosis. These are Psychological First Aid workshops, Suicide Gatekeeper Training, etc., to prepare hostel wardens, security personnel, and student leaders to identify the early warning signs. Some of the preventive measures are screenings on emotional well-being, planned inductions to the students and the parents, and early interventions.
The University also provides a “Mind Studio” an area where mindfulness, sensory control, and cognitive boosting classes take place. “We have a more holistic approach, not just emphasising curative but physical activity and general wellbeing also,” said Dr. Yeravdekar.