India’s youth mental health has become a matter of great concern in an ever-changing landscape due to the lack of emotional awareness.
A 2016 survey by ActionAid Association showed a considerable increase in the prevalence of mental illness among adults, with 11.3% of the population affected, compared to the national average of 7.3%.
To highlight how urgent this is, experts advise that mental health initiatives need to be woven into society as part of education and community activities.
Getting to Know the Landscape
Nadiya Sheikh, State Project Lead for Jammu and Kashmir at ActionAid Association points out why mental health initiatives need to be embedded in wider socio-cultural trajectories.
The survey highlights the need for promotion of mental health, building resilience, integration of mental health services into primary healthcare as well as blending them with education and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).
The Silent Talks inside Indian Homes and Schools
In Indian context talks on emotions are often silent especially when it comes to young girls.
Sheikh suggests that open dialogue should be encouraged because sharing experiences are very important in promoting self-awareness which is one of the most basic elements of emotional intelligence.
By acknowledging diversity within India’s cultural perspective, schools can play an important role through empathy, tolerance and inclusiveness so as to improve emotional connections.
Empowering Through Emotional Intelligence
Suraj Kant says that empowering young people with emotional intelligence is imperative for cultivating resilient minds and nurturing their psychological well-being.
Empowerment stems from enabling adolescents learn how to identify manage their own emotions thus creating a foundation upon which a generation can succeed through life’s twists and turns.
Developing Emotional Intelligence
Kant recommends developing emotional intelligence via teaching self-awareness, empathy and effective communication skills.
This approach enables teenagers to handle relationships’ ups and downs gracefully and with understanding.
Herein lies encouraging introspection and mindfulness that allow one to recognize emotions without judgment thereby promoting self-acceptance and confidence.
Creating Empathic Communities
Through empathizing with others, adolescents begin to appreciate different points of view, resulting in deep connections and compassionate communities.
Additionally, teaching positive expression helps in channeling feelings into healthy communication thereby reducing conflicts and enhancing mental well-being.
Investing for a Brighter Future
Kant says that when we invest towards emotional intelligence among young adults, we are not only investing in personal good but as well as a ripple effect on communities beyond.
He further suggests that this investment is a foundation for a more understanding society with resilience and mental health.
The Role of Education in Promoting Emotional Intelligence
Schools being crucial places for molding young minds play a very significant role in building emotional intelligence.
Emotional intelligence education integrated into school curriculum can provide students with life skills necessary for their survival.
Students feel understood if they are encouraged to open up about emotions, feelings and psychological health inside the classroom.
Cultural Sensitivity in Emotional Intelligence Education
To teach emotional intelligence in India, a culturally sensitive approach is needed due to its rich cultural diversity.
An inclusive and effective educational strategy can be achieved by recognizing and respecting diverse cultural perspectives on emotions.
In the context of cultural diversity, there is a paramount need to emphasize on active communication skills.
The Intersections of Mental Health Services and Education
Implications from the survey underscore the integration of mental health services to both education and ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services).
This means that mental health should not be treated as an isolated matter but as a significant part of overall well-being youth strategies.
To allow early identification and intervention, mental health experts have to work together with schools.
Public Awareness and Advocacy for Mental Health
Creation of mentally sound societies demands more than just changes in educational policies, but also public awareness as well as advocacy.
The stigma towards mental health problems must be broken down while at the same time promoting an attitude of tolerance and understanding as fundamentals to constructing a compassionate society.
Media, community leaders, influencers can effectively raise public consciousness about mental health issues including preventive measures for their development.
A Brighter, More Emotionally Aware Future
In brief, focusing on developing emotional intelligence among young people in India is not only an approach towards tackling mental health problems; it is rather an investment into a promising future with more emotional literacy gains.
Our youth can acquire such essential skills in order to navigate through today’s challenging world by openly talking about it, studying it & mentoring emotionally aware youngsters.
We thus ensure that our younger generation develops not only mentally strong characteristics but also empathy for others’ plights because we do care about them.
Nonetheless, this investment will help transform the society beyond individual happiness as a whole where mental fitness would be valued and prioritized.
