Haryana is planning to introduce a structured school-based mental health support system for students of Classes 6 to 12 under its proposed SATH-E project, aiming early identification of psychological difficulties, including examination stress, anxiety, depression, bullying, social isolation and excessive screen use.
For students of Classes 6 to 8, the focus will be on emotional awareness, self-confidence, puberty-related changes, examination anxiety, bullying, peer rejection and communication difficulties with parents. All designated teachers will receive structured training on mental health issues, early identification of psychological distress, supportive communication and appropriate referral mechanisms. This will create a strong school-based network for mental health awareness, screening and early intervention. Teachers will be sensitised to identify early warning signs. Students requiring specialised psychological assessment will be referred to designated clinics, where clinical psychologists will assess their needs and provide appropriate interventions. At the fifth stage, students requiring psychiatric evaluation or treatment will be referred to mental health clinics for assessment by psychiatrists, followed by treatment and clinical follow-up as advised.
