How To Help Stressed Students? Happiness Classes

Children these days face a lot of pressure. The nerve-wracking pressure to outdo classmates, be the best at extra-curricular activities and put forward one's best side every time can actually take a toll on their mental health. Besides, the trend of social media further saps them of all the energy that augments their stress.

In such a scenario, it becomes imperative for educational institutions to initiate some special classes that teach children the strategies of coping with stress and staying positive during turbulent times.

In 2015, the number of student suicides in India stood at 8,934

For instance, all government schools in Madhya Pradesh have decided to conduct happiness classes to help them look after their mental health.

However, some real change will be visible only if it is made mandatory for all schools to organise such classes.

"With the increase in stress-related concerns and various other emotional health issues that children face these days, classes which aim to enhance happiness is a welcome step," says Pratishtha Trivedi Mirza, Senior Consultant Psychologist at Inner Hour.

"Most psychological problems are identified only after a child is experiencing the negative effects of it. But developing a positive mindset and optimistic approach towards negative experiences is a step towards preventing problems and promoting a child's own capacities and overall sense of well-being" - Pratishtha Trivedi Mirza

Mirza added that these classes will also promote self-confidence and self-belief, which is often the first aspect of a child's personality to be affected by a failure or setback. Being able to focus on their own strengths will help students have a stronger belief in their capabilities, resulting in increased resilience, eventually motivating them to persevere and not give up. Students experience a volley of stressors each their day. Such classes will help them in identifying and developing the strengths they have and pave the way for using these strengths to respond better to any setback or failure."

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Richa Singh, co-founder of YourDOST, opines that happiness is a decision. It is not the absence of problems, but the ability to deal with them. She is hopeful that such classes will be of great benefit to students.

"The way our socio-economic scenario is changing, stress has become an everyday part of our lives. I personally think such courses are a great way to provide tools and techniques in a structured way to students which may help them stay joyful and positive, so that they lead a complete and balanced life. It will empower one to be a better version of themselves. It will help them increase their resilience and deal with the situation better."

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