Mumbai: A total of 110 students from Nirmala Niketan College of Social Work participated in a counselling session on Monday, aimed at evaluating and addressing their stress levels. While 70 students attended the session in person, 40 joined virtually, ensuring broader accessibility.

This initiative, the first of its kind at the college, was undertaken as part of a larger effort to support students' mental well-being, a senior official at the institution stated.

The counselling session involved structured assessments designed to gauge the psychological stress levels of students. Participants were required to self-evaluate their stress and emotional well-being, with the results set to be analysed and announced at a later date. The assessments were carefully curated to provide insights into the psychological state of students and help them recognise areas where intervention might be needed.

Following the assessments, students were provided with counselling sessions aimed at offering coping mechanisms and emotional support. The initiative sought to identify stress-related concerns among students and equip them with the necessary tools to manage academic pressure, personal challenges, and other stressors effectively.

A senior official at the college highlighted the increasing concern regarding students’ mental health, particularly in the post-COVID-19 era. "We have observed a noticeable shift in students' behaviour, particularly after the pandemic. Issues such as lack of concentration, increased absenteeism, and heightened anxiety levels have become more prevalent. These concerns prompted us to take proactive steps in addressing students' mental health through structured counselling sessions," the official stated.

The official further emphasised the institution’s commitment to fostering mental health awareness among students, acknowledging the crucial role that emotional well-being plays in academic performance and future professional success.

"The college has been actively promoting mental health awareness through various programs. Recognising the importance of psychological well-being, we aim to continue such counselling sessions periodically to provide students with the necessary support system," the official added.