Understanding the Mental Health Issues & Position of School-Level Learners in West Bengal, India

Abstract

‘Mental health’ is a comprehensive term, which refers to the ‘condition of individual’ which consequences from normal organisation of the ‘functioning of the mind’. Mental health among students is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of education. In recent years, there has been mounting apprehension about the ‘mental well-being’ issues of students, particularly in the context of academic pressure, social dynamics, and familial expectations. This paper aims to investigate and explore the mental health issues at the school level learner in West Bengal, India. The study focused on the review of contemporary situation of mental health, the current state of mental health awareness of school teachers, support in schools and proposes strategies for improvement. The study explores the various factors influencing students' mental well-being, reviewed the mental health positions of adolescent learners at schools and the role of school authorities and Government policies. This paper examines the factors contributing to the mental health challenges faced by students in West Bengal schools, along with potential interventions to address these issues. Through an ample review of literature and qualitative analysis, interviewing the schools teachers this article provides insights into the challenges faced by students in West Bengal and offers recommendations and strategies to enhance their mental health outcomes and sustain positive mental health.