At the offset, it was identified that stress among students greatly varied based on the city of study. Bengaluru ranked the highest at 68 percent, followed by Hyderabad at 42 percent. Teachers from Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru agreed that they may not realize if a student exhibited behavioural issues in the classroom due to underlying condition such as learning difficulties and depression. 90 percent of teachers feel students need psychological support at school in order to deal with examination stress, studies and career planning.

In most parts of the country, students face difficulties in talking about their issues, with only 14 percent of students being comfortable in sharing their psychological problems with parents, teachers or school counsellors. A majority of the teachers believe that issues at home can impacts the wellbeing of a student during school. Peers seem to be their outlet; but students do wish they could talk to someone at school who would be able to understand their issues. Schools also could be more involved by understanding the issues and mental health and be more sensitive in dealing with it.

The survey was a small-step towards understanding the requirements of teachers and students alike at a broader level. Through the qualitative survey, Pearson was able to draw out the state of psychological well-being of students in India and pick-out key areas of improvement.

Further research would be required to develop an easily adoptable framework for psychological evaluation in schools. With 41% percent of the population being under 20, early intervention would be the need of the hour.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Neha had a hard time finishing assignments in class and was labelled naughty by her teachers. Her parents could not figure out what was wrong with her as her academic and social skills plummeted during her school years.

This is what Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder looks like on the outside. Let’s look at Rithesh’s story, a corporate adult who had a hard time coping with the daily stressors of life and underperformed at work. His boss kept complaining and eventually fired him. Due to this, his social and familial relationships were strained as he was labelled a misfit. Another shocking example of ADHD gone unnoticed.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a mental disorder that affects many but is left unchecked. Due to the economic condition of our country, many consider treatments a splurge or a waste of money. In reality, treating ADHD is the antidote to life’s problems related to attention and performance issues. Impulsiveness and short attention spans are the two common traits of ADHD in adults and children. When a child faces problems paying attention in school or has difficulty interacting with peers, it is a result of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Even adults face ADHD and in all likelihood, it goes unnoticed due to a lack of close observation or individual attention.

This is what ADHD actually looks like-
• Poor memory or recall skills
• Unorganized workspace or life
• Consistently missing deadlines
• Unable to finish given work efficiently

Over 10% of the Indian population is victim to ADHD and left in the dark without treatment or getting the help they deserve. This affects them later on in life.

From a statistical viewpoint, ADHD affects boys more than girls. You may notice your teenager cracking jokes about his forgetfulness or dodging social meetups due to high anxiety or low self-esteem issues, or your child may be shying away from mixing with his friends in the neighbourhood.

You may ask how ADHD can be diagnosed?

If your spouse is facing marital problems or has difficulty performing at work, she may vent out her frustration at home or even blame it on her forgetfulness. The truth is ADHD is absolutely treatable and it all starts with emotional and mental support. Reaching out to an occupational or behavioural therapist is the first step towards consultation and prevention. Children are hyperactive and have an intense yearning to learn and play during their young years.

There are no blood tests to find out if your child is suffering from ADHD. There are a variety of tools which can determine if a child has ADHD. Assessments are available which helps us to identify if the child is suffering from ADHD.

Raising a child with ADHD might be difficult but there are tools to help identify at an early age so that proper training and medication can be given.