Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): The Haryana government is planning to introduce a school-based mental health support system for students from Classes 6 to 12 under its proposed SAATH project. The initiative aims to identify and address concerns such as examination stress, anxiety, depression, bullying, social isolation and excessive screen time.
The proposed programme will involve the Health and Family Welfare Department, the School Education Department, teachers, parents, student volunteers and mental health professionals. According to Additional Chief Secretary for Health and Family Welfare Dr Sumita Misra, the framework is designed to help identify psychological difficulties early and connect students who need specialised care with appropriate professionals.
The government has identified 122 counsellors from the Health Department and plans to build a network of around 400 trained teachers across 200 government schools.
What Is Haryana’s SAATH Project?
The proposed SAATH project aims to make mental health awareness, early identification and counselling part of the school environment. It will focus on age-specific concerns, with separate approaches planned for students in Classes 6 to 8 and Classes 9 to 12.
For students in Classes 6 to 8, the programme will address emotional awareness, self-confidence, changes associated with adolescence, examination anxiety, bullying, peer exclusion and communication difficulties with parents.
Teachers will be trained to recognise warning signs such as persistent sadness, irritability, withdrawal from others, loss of interest in routine activities, poor concentration, declining academic performance and reluctance to attend school.
The programme will also cover concerns linked to excessive gaming, social media dependence, inappropriate online content and sleep deprivation. Family conflict, parental pressure, comparisons between siblings, bereavement, violence and neglect will also be addressed.
Board Exam Stress, Depression And Career Anxiety In Focus
For students in Classes 9 to 12, the project will place greater emphasis on board examination pressure, competitive entrance tests, career uncertainty, fear of failure, peer pressure and mental exhaustion.
Awareness activities will also cover anxiety and depression symptoms, body-image concerns, unhealthy eating habits, relationship difficulties and the risks associated with substance use.
Particular attention will be given to warning signs of self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Teachers and designated school personnel will be trained to identify concerns and refer students promptly to appropriate mental health professionals.
The programme is intended to ensure that students who need professional intervention are not left dependent solely on support available within their schools.
How Will The Five-Level Mental Health Support System Work?
According to the proposed framework, SAATH will follow a five-level identification and referral mechanism, beginning in the classroom and extending to specialist psychiatric care when required.
Level 1: Classroom teachers: Teachers will observe changes in students’ behaviour and emotions, communicate with them supportively and record school-level interventions in a designated SAATH assessment and counselling register.
Level 2: Student health ambassadors: Selected students will help spread awareness among their peers and guide those seeking support towards designated school personnel. Their role will be limited to awareness and supportive communication; they will not diagnose or treat mental health conditions.
Level 3: Counsellors and trained teachers: Health Department counsellors and designated teachers with psychology qualifications will provide counselling, screening, assessment and guidance within the limits of their professional competence.
Level 4: Clinical psychologists: Students requiring specialised psychological assessment will be referred to designated AFLC clinics for evaluation and appropriate support.
Level 5: Psychiatrists: Students needing psychiatric assessment or treatment will be referred to mental health clinics for specialist evaluation, treatment and follow-up.
The referral system is intended to provide continuity of care, ensuring that students who require specialist intervention can access it in addition to school-level support.
122 Counsellors And 400 Teachers To Form Support Network
Dr Misra said the Health Department had identified 122 counsellors to support the initiative across Haryana. These counsellors will coordinate with two designated teachers at each of the 200 selected government schools, creating a network of approximately 400 teachers.
The School Education Department will identify the teachers, facilitate their training and integrate mental health awareness and early identification into school activities.
The government aims to reach students in Classes 9 to 12 across all 200 identified schools within one year.
The proposal also envisages the appointment of student health ambassadors in participating schools. A senior student ambassador will be designated as a SAATH coordinator to facilitate communication and awareness activities between students and designated school personnel.
Parents will also be involved through parent-teacher meetings, which will serve as platforms for mental health awareness. They will receive guidance on recognising changes in their children’s behaviour, mood, sleep patterns, academic performance and social interactions.
The programme will encourage parents to communicate supportively with children without creating fear or reinforcing misconceptions about mental health.
Teachers To Receive Structured Mental Health Training
The proposed project includes standardised, age-appropriate video training modules for teachers and counsellors. The Mental Health Department will develop the modules and distribute them through official digital channels, including the ECHO platform and YouTube.
Level 1 training will cover Classes 6 to 8, focusing on basic mental health, developmental changes, emotional difficulties, early warning signs, supportive communication and referral procedures.
Level 2 training, intended for teachers handling Classes 9 to 12, will address adolescent mental health, examination stress, peer pressure, substance-use prevention, complex behavioural concerns and appropriate referrals. It will also include a refresher on basic concepts.
The training will emphasise confidentiality, child protection and sensitive communication to help ensure that students experiencing psychological difficulties are not subjected to discrimination.
Haryana Mental Health Director Dr Brahm Deep said early identification and timely intervention could help prevent psychological difficulties from developing into more serious mental health conditions.
The proposed SAATH project aims to bring preventive awareness, early identification, counselling, professional assessment and specialised treatment into a coordinated school-based support system.
