Cops To Handle Stressed Students. Special Helpline Launched.

Student life has many benefits, but it also imposes inevitable stresses. For those who are already battling depression or have an existing vulnerability to it, these stresses can trigger anxiety and episodes of depression. In order to cope up with these situations, the cops of Gujarat state have come up with new initiatives.

Besides maintaining law and order, the police in south Gujarat have undertaken an initiative to help stressed students when their board exam results are declared. Students can now call at 1091 helpline number and seek help from counsellors.

Before launching the helpline, a two-day training was imparted to the policemen, counsellors and social workers by a psychologist, a psychiatrist and some NGO representatives. The cops were trained to handle calls from stressed students.

The helpline centres have been set up in Valsad, Navsari, Surat and Tapi districts. A psychologist will counsel the callers at every centre and if required, a policeman and a social worker will visit the student personally.

"The attempt is aimed at stopping students from taking any untoward steps. We have set up the entire infrastructure to the best of our abilities," said Hasmukh Patel, deputy inspector general (DIG) of police, Surat range. The helpline service will be available for students throughout the year.

"We will guide the students to fight stress with yoga. We will also counsel the parents who are adding to worries of the students," said Police Inspector CJ Goswami who is the helpline co-ordinator at Navsari.

About stress in students.

Becoming a student, whatever your age or background, involves the psychological and practical challenges posed by some or all of the following transitions: Adolescence → Adulthood

• Family home → Student accommodation
• Working identity → Mature-student identity
• Certainty & familiarity → Unknown territory
• Home country/language → New culture/language
• Relative financial security → Debt and financial strain
• Familiar friends → New social environment and people

According to a study, Particular stress points occur at the beginnings and ends of academic years, especially at the start and towards the end of the academic year. These times of increased stress can represent a tipping point when coping resources can become overwhelmed - a recent study* found that student suicides more commonly occur at these times. Another earlier study showed that financial stress was the most significant factor in triggering depression at university. The current financial stresses on students are significantly greater than they were at the time of the study! Common student issues and problems include study issues, money worries, relationships, housing, family pressures, and culture and identity. Check out our Student Issues articles for more on these and other common student issues.

Hence, it is very importance for students to cope up with stress and depression.