Ganderbal, Oct 10: The Central University of Kashmir (CUK) on Saturday called for strengthening mental health support systems in educational institutions, including the establishment of a confidential helpline, online counselling appointments and a dedicated psychological counsellor, amid concerns over academic pressure, emotional distress and reluctance among students to seek professional help.
The recommendations emerged during a programme organised by the university’s Student Mental Health Task Force at its Tulmulla campus to mark World Mental Health Day 2026 under the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.”
Addressing the gathering, Nodal Officer of the Student Mental Health Task Force and Dean, School of Business Studies, Prof Syed Zahoor Ahmad Geelani, said educational institutions needed to move beyond routine academic assessments and pay greater attention to the emotional well-being of students.
He observed that teachers and administrators were often quick to offer advice but less willing to listen patiently to students experiencing personal or academic difficulties.
Geelani urged faculty members to enquire about students’ well-being instead of focusing exclusively on attendance, assignments, deadlines and academic performance.
He highlighted the difficulties faced by students who travel long distances, manage family responsibilities and struggle to balance academic commitments with personal challenges.
Calling for stronger institutional support, he proposed improved counselling infrastructure, a confidential mental health helpline, online appointment facilities and the appointment of a dedicated psychological counsellor within the university.
Dean Academic Affairs Prof Shahid Rasool said stigma, lack of acceptance and reluctance to discuss emotional difficulties remained major barriers to addressing mental health concerns.
“There is first, that we don’t accept it. Second, we don’t share it. And third, that we don’t come forward to help each other,” he said.
Rasool stressed that teachers must recognise the different circumstances and emotional needs of students and respond with patience and compassion rather than harshness.
“No two students are alike,” he said, advocating a more sensitive approach to student welfare.
He appreciated the establishment of the university’s Student Mental Health Task Force and suggested extending similar support to research scholars, faculty members and non-teaching employees.
Registrar Dr Nisar Ahmad Mir said unrealistic expectations, unfulfilled aspirations and social judgements could adversely affect emotional well-being.
He urged students to adopt a balanced approach to life and avoid forming opinions about others without understanding their circumstances.
Mir said empathy and a non-judgemental attitude were essential for creating a supportive academic environment.
Chief Proctor and Dean, School of Legal Studies, Prof Farooq Ahmad Mir, emphasised positive thinking, contentment and emotional balance while dealing with challenging situations.
“Life has two sides. You may not control everything, but it is up to you which side you will take,” he said.
He encouraged students to cultivate constructive attitudes and avoid allowing anger and resentment to dominate their thoughts.
Clinical psychologist Muzaffar Ahmad cautioned against treating mental health difficulties as personal weaknesses, excuses or failures.
He said misconceptions surrounding psychological distress often prevented individuals from acknowledging their difficulties and seeking appropriate assistance.
“We as a people, don’t understand what mental health is,” he observed, adding that emotional distress was frequently misinterpreted as indiscipline, lack of motivation or an inability to cope with challenges.
Ahmad stressed that motivational advice alone could not substitute for professional assessment, appropriate intervention and sustained psychological support.
Earlier, Senior Assistant Professor Dr Gulafroz Jan said student mental health should be treated as an integral part of higher education rather than a secondary welfare concern.
She highlighted the emotional pressures associated with academic competition, loneliness, family expectations and uncertainty about future employment.
“Not every struggle is visible, not every silence signifies peace, and not every smile tells the whole story,” she said.
The programme also featured technical sessions on physical well-being and mental health, with presentations by Head of the Department of Physical Education Dr Kaukab Azeem and IMHANS consultant psychiatrist Dr Aijaz Suhaff.
Dean, School of Education, Prof C Naseema, Dean of Students’ Welfare Dr Jehirul Islam, faculty members, research scholars, administrative staff and students attended the programme.
Dr Ibraq Khursheed conducted the proceedings, while Medical Officer Dr Sheeba presented the vote of thanks.
The discussions emphasised the need for educational institutions to develop accessible, confidential and professionally supported mental health services while promoting empathy, active listening and awareness among students and faculty members.
