Over 50% of GCC school kids face mental health issues

A recent study has found that over half of students in Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) schools face mental health issues. Specifically, 50% of the students reported anxiety, while 48% experienced depression, and 36% dealt with stress. The study was conducted by researchers from various colleges and included 300 students from Classes IX to XII. The researchers used a questionnaire to assess mental health along with factors like family status and academic pressure. They found that 7.1% of students suffered from extreme stress, largely due to academic expectations and financial concerns. Extreme depression affected about 4.3% of the students, often caused by bullying or family problems. The study showed that boys reported higher rates of mental health issues compared to girls. About 61.68% of boys experienced depression, while 34.24% of girls did. Students from nuclear families also reported more stress and anxiety than those from joint families. Additionally, those living below the poverty line showed higher levels of stress and anxiety. The researchers emphasized the need for direct communication with students and parents to understand and address these issues. They suggested that students should not feel pressured to excel in STEM subjects and should be encouraged to pursue various professions. Experts also recommended increasing sports and physical activities in schools, as exercise can relieve stress. GCC has already started providing mental health counseling for students. Regular counseling sessions are held every three months to discuss issues faced by students.