Mental Health Strategies for Young Aspirants: Stress Management Tips for Students | Health

In the relentless pursuit of academic excellence and future career prospects, the importance of prioritizing mental health is often overlooked. In the busyness of exams, assignments and goals, it is easy to ignore your mental health, but the reality is that neglecting your mental health can deeply impact your daily life, especially when you are facing the immense pressure of academics, stress and the responsibilities that come with it.

We were joined by several experts who emphasised on the importance of mental health and its central role in both personal and professional achievements. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Prof. Dr. Padmakari Banerjee, Vice Chancellor, IILM University, Gurugram, said, “Optimism defeats depression and creates mental health and resilience to better deal with life’s ups and downs. This is a giant step towards prudence, perspective, insight and hope for a positive outcome. Adaptability and a flexible mindset are other attributes that young achievers need to imbibe to deal effectively with life situations, cultivate resilience and bounce back from adversity with redoubled spirit while moving forward with faith.”

She suggested, “Goal setting is essential for young people. With a set direction to move forward, young achievers will never get lost and will automatically avoid anxiety and mental distress. Goal setting should be realistic and actually achievable so that young achievers can celebrate their progress and feel happy along the way. Every time a young achiever feels happy, he or she wins in their life journey and becomes more optimistic. Young achievers should also develop problem-solving skills to remove mental distress and dilemmas. There will always be problems that need to be tackled skillfully through problem-solving skills. By adopting these strategies, young achievers can succeed in life and living while experiencing self-actualization.”

Gurmanjot Butalia, senior school counsellor at GD Goenka Public School, Vasant Kunj, Delhi, recommends the following strategies to address mental health concerns:

• Managing your mental health is important for everyone, but especially for young, talented people who face unique challenges and stressors. The first step to overcoming these obstacles is to develop self-awareness by paying attention to your thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
• Recognizing the signs of stress allows you to take proactive measures. Young achievers may feel constant pressure to excel in their endeavors. Setting boundaries between academics and leisure activities is essential. Self-care must be prioritized. Ambition is laudable, but setting unrealistic goals can lead to burnout and disappointment.
• Realistic goals should align with your values, strengths, and priorities.
• If needed, seek support from a friend, family member, or mental health professional. Addressing emotions and talking about experiences can help reduce stress and provide perspective. Young people should be encouraged to celebrate victories, no matter how small. Acknowledging achievements can boost self-esteem and motivation.
• Mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, exercise, and yoga can help young achievers deal with stress and stay in the present moment. These practices should be incorporated into their daily routine. Identifying the causes of stress can help you develop strategies to minimize or cope with stressors.
• Learning to say “no” when necessary allows individuals to prioritize their own well-being. Embrace setbacks as learning opportunities and build resilience to bounce back stronger. Remember, failure is a natural part of the journey to success.

Neha Tripathi, counselling psychologist, Toprankers, says, “Candidates should limit their time exposed to stress by avoiding negative news, social media comparisons and excessive competition. Creating boundaries and prioritising their mental health will help them maintain a positive mindset. If you feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety or other mental health issues, don’t hesitate to seek help. School counsellors, therapists and mental health professionals can provide valuable support and coping strategies tailored to your specific needs.”

The need to prioritize mental health has gone beyond a mere choice; it has become a fundamental requirement for achieving overall success. Whether it is a personal aspiration or a professional endeavor, nurturing mental health is crucial and forms the foundation for resilience, innovation and efficiency. As experts emphasize, investing in mental health is not optional, but a meaningful and important commitment.