Mental Health in Student Life: Why It Matters at Chandigarh University
Most of us talk a lot about physical fitness. Going to the gym. Eating healthy. Playing sports. Running every morning. But mental health is something we rarely talk about.
Student life is not just about studies. It is the phase where students slowly move from a learning stage to a professional stage. Along with classes and exams, students start thinking about careers, jobs, skills, and future responsibilities. Managing studies and preparing for professional life happens side by side. Because of this, mental health becomes even more important.
Today, around 35% of college students face anxiety and nearly 25% deal with depression globally. In India, almost 28% of undergraduate students report mental health concerns. These numbers show one thing clearly. Mental health is not a small issue. It is very real. Poor mental health can affect studies badly. Students with mental health struggles have a much higher risk of poor academic performance. But when students feel supported and mentally strong, grades improve and college life becomes more manageable.
| Region | Indicator | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Global | College students facing anxiety | 35% |
| Global | College students dealing with depression | 25% |
| India | Undergraduate students reporting mental health concerns | 28% |
This blog talks about why mental health is so important for students.
Understanding Mental Health
Mental health is not just an abstract or serious term for students. It's about how we feel inside our self on any particular day and the machinations with which we deal with life in university. It's all about emotions and thoughts, stress levels, and handling situations around an individual. Mental health affects studying, behavior with others, and self-regard.
Good mental health does not mean that students are happy or free from stresses. It is normal for them to feel anxious before exams, slightly down most times, and even confused about the future. However, mental health is about handling or managing those feelings without losing control. It involves calming your mind, maintaining focus, and continuing even when the going gets tough.
Mental health is a crucial aspect of learning for every student. When the mind is free and clear, understanding all the concepts becomes much easier, memory improves, and creativity blows up. When students develop a healthy mind, they also build confidence in themselves and the ability to deal with peer pressure and adapt to new responsibilities. To put it simply, if your mental health is good, your student life will be much easier to live, and it will have more balance and meaning.
Why Mental Health Matters for Students?
Academic Performance
An unhealthy brain affects studies directly. With good mental health, a student becomes more concentrated, has a better memory, and is supposed to think of creative ideas. Increased stress and anxiety can keep students away from focus, hinder memory, and reduce performance. In contrast, those students who care for their mental health tend to score higher in examinations, assignments, projects, etc.
Personal Life
Mental health is not just about studies; it also makes a big difference in relationships. Friends, family, roommates-all need effort and care. With a good mind, you express yourself better, resolve conflicts better, and strengthen relationships. Good mental health allows you to be social without stress or being overwhelmed.
Physical Health Link
Your mind and body are connected. Stress, anxiety, and constant pressure can lead to headaches, fatigue, insomnia, or even weaken your immune system. Students often ignore mental health, thinking it doesn't affect the body. But a healthy mind means a healthier body too.
Future Career
Mental health matters for your future. Employers appreciate having emotional intelligence, flexibility, and resilience. A student who can cope with stress, build relationships, and think outside the box will thrive in the professional arena. Today's mental wellness will set pace for tomorrow's career growth.
Happiness & Balance
Life is not about grades, not about degrees, or just awards. Success means happiness, peace of mind, and fulfillment. Happy mental health allows you to maintain the balance among studies, personal life, and interests. It helps you savor life's key moments and build a solid foundation for long-term happiness.
Common Mental Health Challenges Faced by Students
Student life is exciting, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Understanding them can help you deal with them better.
- Stress and Academic Pressure
- Homesickness and Adjustment
- Peer Pressure
- Loneliness and Isolation
- Financial Pressure
- Uncertainty About the Future
Signs That You Might Need to Pay Attention to Your Mental Health
Sometimes, mental health issues are obvious. Other times, signs are subtle. Students should watch out for the following:
- Trouble sleeping or oversleeping
- Constant tiredness or low energy
- Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Feeling anxious, sad, or empty most of the time
- Difficulty concentrating on studies
- Withdrawing from friends or activities
- Increased anger, irritability, or frustration
Role of the Chandigarh University in Supporting Mental Health
Chandigarh University pursues a model of mental health support that encompasses a holistic, accessible, and integrated approach in student life support. The university's mechanisms operate at different levels:
- Department-Level Support -- Each department has a Department Mentoring Coordinator (DMC) who oversees mentoring activities, organizes wellbeing-related events, and intervenes whenever necessary.
- Faculty Involvement -- Faculty mentors give primary support to students, who are guided through the various academic and emotional challenges.
- Large-Scale Programs & Seminars -- The university creates an atmosphere of awareness on topics of mental and emotional well-being and provides a level of practicality in skills through induction programs and seminars such as "Strive, Succeed and Soar."
The university's efforts are reflected in the high number of students engaging with counselors, mentors, and wellness ambassadors. CU demonstrates that mental health is not just a program---it's part of the culture.
Mental Health Workshops, Seminars & Awareness Programs
Chandigarh University believes that awareness is the first step towards mental wellbeing. The university regularly conducts workshops, seminars, and awareness programs to equip students with tools to manage stress, build resilience, and maintain emotional balance.
Some key programs include:
| Program Name | Organized By / Led By | Focus Area / Key Topics | Outcome / Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mind Your Mind (Student Induction Program) | ISKCON Experts | Mindfulness, emotional control, overcoming negative thinking, spiritual wellbeing | Equipped students to handle academic stress, fostered community support & personal growth |
| Online National Induction 5.0 | Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar | Managing academic pressure, relationships, emotional wellbeing, guided meditation | Helped students achieve emotional balance & lasting happiness |
| Awareness Session on Gender Inclusivity, POSH & POCSO Law | Center for Student Wellbeing & University Institute of Legal Studies; Speaker: Mr. Mukesh Kumar | Gender inclusivity, legal awareness, personal safety | Promoted gender equality, campus safety & rights awareness |
| Seminars on Academic Excellence & Emotional Resilience (e.g., Strive, Succeed & Soar; Connect & Thrive; RISE; Atomic Habit) |
Expert speakers based on Student Counselling Needs Survey | Academic success, social connection, emotional resilience, discipline | Boosted student confidence, participation, and holistic growth |
| Workshops on Mindfulness and Meditation | Students trained by Art of Living | Stress management, exam relaxation techniques | Enhanced mindfulness & stress relief among students |
| SANKALP: The Wellness Promise | University Counsellors (Girls’ Hostels) | Hygiene, health, balanced lifestyle habits | Encouraged conscious daily habits & holistic wellbeing |
Counselling & Wellness Support
CU has a well-structured system to provide professional counselling and wellness support. The Centre for Student Wellbeing (CSW) is the heart of this ecosystem.
Services Offered:
- Individual Counselling -- In the last 6 months, more than 650 students registered for one-on-one counselling sessions for academic, emotional, and personal issues.
- Group Counselling & Workshops -- Students can participate in group sessions to discuss common challenges like exam stress, anxiety, and interpersonal issues.
- Confidential Support -- Students can book appointments online, approach counsellors directly, or connect via faculty mentors and DMCs. Every session is handled with empathy and confidentiality.
- Technology-Enabled Support -- The CUIMS portal, QR-coded helpline posters, and e-referral systems make it easy for students to access counselling services instantly.
The counselling system ensures that every student has access to timely help, creating a safe and supportive environment for mental wellbeing.
Training & Clubs
CU focuses on peer support, mentoring, and skill development to strengthen the mental health ecosystem:
- Mentorship -- Every student is assigned a faculty mentor at a ratio of 1:35. Mentors guide students academically and emotionally, helping them manage stress, balance studies, and adjust to campus life.
- Impact Mentor Training Program -- Over 300 mentors trained to use modern mentoring approaches, empathy, and emotional intelligence to support students.
- Mentor Engagement -- 640 mentors have submitted mentoring data, showing active participation and continuous support for students.
- Student Wellness Ambassador Program -- 100 students trained as peer supporters to organize wellness drives, stress-relief corners, digital detox challenges, and gratitude journaling activities. These ambassadors work alongside counsellors to promote mental health awareness.
These programs show that CU invests in both professional and peer-led support systems, making mental health care accessible, proactive, and relatable for students.
Conclusion
Mental health is important, and Chandigarh University (CU) demonstrates this by creating an ecosystem wherein students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally. Professional counselling, peer-led initiatives, workshops, seminars, and mentorship-all take place at CU, making certain that students can seek help at any given point.
Stress management and maintaining a balance in life are available to students through learning mindfulness, the seminar on emotional resilience, or merely talking to a counselor. The university initiates, embraces, and fulfills with determination efforts wherein the mental health of its students is viewed as a priority task rather than viewed an afterthought.
At Chandigarh University (CU), mental health is not just a service; it is a culture. Students are empowered in taking that help to become resilient and help build their own lives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Student Mental Health at Chandigarh University
How does Chandigarh University support student mental health on campus?
Chandigarh University supports student mental health through the Centre for Student Wellbeing, professional counselling, peer programs, and welfare services available to all students. These services help students manage academic stress, personal challenges, and emotional wellbeing in a structured, confidential ecosystem.
What mental health counselling services are available for students at Chandigarh University?
Students can access individual counselling, group sessions, and technology-enabled support via CUIMS, QR-coded helplines, and e-referrals to trained counsellors. These counselling services are confidential and focus on issues like stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment problems, and relationship concerns.
Are there mental health workshops and seminars for Chandigarh University students?
Chandigarh University conducts regular workshops, seminars, and induction programs focused on stress management, mindfulness, emotional resilience, and suicide awareness. These events bring together students, experts, and faculty to build coping skills, encourage help-seeking, and normalize conversations around mental health.
Does Chandigarh University offer peer support or wellness ambassador programs for mental health?
The university runs peer-based initiatives where trained students act as wellness ambassadors, support groups, and mental health advocates on campus. These peer programs complement professional counselling and make it easier for students to seek help in a relatable, friendly environment.
Can Chandigarh University students get 24/7 mental health or crisis support?
Students can access around-the-clock support through campus helplines along with national mental health lines like Tele-MANAS and Manodarpan when needed. These services ensure that urgent emotional, psychological, or crisis concerns can be addressed even beyond regular counselling hours.
Why is mental health important for academic success in college students?
Good mental health improves focus, memory, energy levels, and class participation, directly supporting better grades and overall academic performance. Untreated stress, anxiety, or depression can lower concentration and increase dropout risk, making early support and campus services critical.