What is Counseling?
Counseling is the process that occurs when a client and counselor set aside time to explore difficulties which may include the stressful or emotional feelings of the client (https://www.skillsyouneed.com/learn/counselling.html).
The counselor helps clients-
- identify their struggles and potential solutions to these problems which cause excessive internal or emotional disturbances.
- improve their communication and coping skills
- strengthen self-esteem
- promote behavior change
- optimize their mental health
Struggles of students in present day
Most students, in school and college, endure a tremendous amount of emotional turmoil. Depression, anxiety, stress have become more common in the current generation than ever before. Why is it so?
With the increase in demand for fresh talents and growing expectations, students are put under extreme stress and pressure. The latest technologies and social media also play a very important role in their mental health.
Young students routinely struggle with time management, getting proper sleep, coping with stress, being in control of their emotions and thoughts. They also struggle with their identity, self-esteem and self-confidence, confusion and being overwhelmed.
The suicide rates among students belonging to the age group 15-22 years. The main reasons for this include peer pressure, fear of failing exams, depression and anxiety, stress, fear of unemployment, etc. Several suicide stories are found in the newspapers during the exam season.
Especially in Indian society, students are under extreme pressure, trauma, and anxiety related to examinations caused by pressure from the parents and family wherein students are forced to perform better. Youngsters are forced into boxes to be the “perfect” student, which is presumably alright, with the student’s consent.
Certain mental health-related struggles of students:
Depression: Recent studies have shown that depression is the one of most commonly experienced mental struggles among the students of the present day. Every problem that the student faces contributes to their depression— their stress, the scores, their general difficulties, and struggles. Sometimes, depression is caused by no reason whatsoever.
Addiction: Self-harm and substance abuse are the most common forms of addictions among students. At desperate times, students feel helpless and try to find an outlet for their internal pain. They believe that, for example, cutting themselves would help them be in control of what they feel and what they think. But on the contrary, this “control” that they believe to have is an illusion and at a certain pint, they would not be able to get through without cutting themselves—addiction.
Anxiety and panic attacks: Most students have experienced panic attacks at least once in their lives. These are triggered by a train of uncontrollable thoughts that trigger your anxiety and panic. Panic attacks are very scary and extremely tiring. It involves heavy breathing difficulties, heart palpitations, sweating, shaking, and numbness of the body. Exam stress, assignment overload, etc. can trigger anxious thoughts too.
Self-esteem and confidence: Students, especially adolescents, lack self-esteem and self-confidence. They do not believe in themselves or their capabilities. This may be due to the way they are brought up, or the friends they hang with or themselves. They could be degrading themselves and thereby not being able to achieve their full potential.
Stress and pressure: Young students are put under so much pressure and stress, that they tend to become very competitive and focus on rote learning. And thereby are prone to become less creative and innovative. This fades off the colors in their lives and turns everything into a black and white world in their eyes.
Changes: Students that are in their last year of school and the first year of college experience intense anxiety considering the new changes. The fear of being left out, or not being able to cope up is immensely troubling. These students fear what they are going to face and how they are going to face it.
Benefits of Counseling
Counseling and guidance are important for students, and schools play a huge role in bringing out the best in them. Young minds need proper guidance to improve their personalities and behavior. Through counseling, children are given guidance on how to manage and deal with their emotional turmoil and personal problems.
Psychological problems: Counselors can help students by guiding them on how to deal with their psychological distresses which can impact their studies. Students can develop problem-solving skills which can help them healthily deal with their issues.
Coping methods: Students, under pressure and stress, tend to fall into negative practices like drugs, self-harm, promiscuous and reckless behaviors, etc. counselors can advise students on how to cope with stressful situations that they face in their lives.
Behaviors and communication: Counseling helps to shape a student’s behavior and social and communication skills.
Career guidance: Most high school students and even some in college, have confusion regarding their career choices. Proper career counseling helps students choose the right path that is applicable and suitable for the individual. Thereby, reaching and making use of their full potential.
Confidentiality: Students will be able to talk to someone about their problems that make them uncomfortable. They can openly share issues and difficulties that they cannot openly share with their parents or friends. It enables a safe space for students to talk without judgment or fear of being exposed.
Voice of Ms.Donna Bilanshi Delan, Delhi Private School, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates , donna.bd610@gmail.com through Global Learners Academy of Development.
Global Learners Academy of Development feels responsible to rightly guide the students at times of depression through suitable counseling. Contact us for all your counseling needs.