Psychology

For decades,education systems across the world have focused almost exclusively on academic performance. Grades ranking competitive exams and outcomes became the definition of success. Somewhere along the way student wellbeing was treated like a nice to have rather than a necessity.That era is over.

Today Mental health curricula in education are no longer optional.They are essential. As students navigate academic pressure, social media overload identity struggle and an increasingly uncertain future.Schools are now rethinking and moving forward to handle mental health ,manage emotions and build resilience. Schools cannot focus only on marks and results while ignoring how students are actually feeling.Student wellbeing matters just as much as academic success,especially at the stage where students are making life shaping decisions.

What Students Are Really Dealing with-  Stress is not new,but the intensity has changed .Many students feel anxious about the future,scared of disappointing their parents, or exhausted from trying to meet impossible standards. Some feel lonely even when surrounded by people.Other struggle silently,thinking something is wrong with them. The truth is simple.Nothing is wrong with you.The system just has not taught you how to deal with pressure. This is where mental health education becomes important. It helps students understand that emotions are normal, stress is manageable and asking for help is not weakness.

What Is a Mental health Curriculam- A mental health curriculum is not about diagnosing problems or forcing students to share personal details. It is about learning skills that help in everyday life. It teaches students how to understand emotions instead of ignoring them.They teach you to handle exam pressure and academic stress.Mental Health Curriculum helps to build confidence and self awareness,develop emotional intelligence.These skills not just help you just in exams,it teaches you to handle family relationships and future career.

Why Student Wellbeing Impacts Learning Outcomes- Student wellbeing is not separate from education,it is the foundation of it. Research consistently shows that students with strong emotional and mental health support better focus and memory,improve academic performance ,strong motivation engagement and reduce behavioural issues.Marks matter but they are not everything they understand when they know to balance emotions.Emotional intelligence is what helps students to stay calm during exams bounce back from poor results and communicate their feeling clearly.

Class 12th is a turning point.Decision made here shape future paths,but students cannot make healthy choices if they are not emotionally overwhelmed.Ignoring mental health leads to burn out self doubts and long term stress. Supporting mental health creates confident, balanced students who can handle challenges without breaking under pressure.Mental Health Curricula in education exists to remind students that success does not come at the cost of wellbeing.You are allowed to aim high and take care of yourself at the same time.

You are not weak for feeling stressed.You are human.Education should teach you how to succeed without losing yourself in the process.

What needs to be changed- mental health should be integrated ,not isolated.It should be accessed regularly in the schools ,every child is different and has different levels of emotional intelligence and handling behavioral skills. However schools must access the child behavior,emotions quotient and the reaction and responses they give when they are appearing  in the exams, or attending the school in the normal life.Schools initiate to include mental health as curriculum so students will understand that studying mental health curricula is as important as  maths or science is.

At Edinbox,conversations around mental health education, emotional intelligence and student wellbeing aim to support students beyond textbooks,helping them grow into confident learners and resilient individuals.

Youth distress cases show alarming growth in our nation, and the fewer mental health professionals in Arunachal Pradesh have made it a land where youth distress significantly impacts the community.

So the question must not be whether we need to provide support to students with mental health issues, but rather how quickly we can mobilise and react. Educational Institutions represent a significant opportunity for intervention, where we can provide supports to students through introducing Psychology into our students' curriculum and by implementing it into our Institutional Structure as a source of support.

Psychology does more than just give students insight into potential career paths. It also teaches fundamental life skills such as self-awareness, resilience, emotion regulation, empathy, and healthy coping strategies. As students experience a variety of challenges that may create a psychosocial stress environment (such as academics, identity issues, family expectations, and a changing society), it is important that they learn how to recognize and manage their own emotional well-being. Students who do not have the means to articulate their emotional distress or regulate their emotions will remain silent until the point of developing emotional distress to the point of complete breakdown.

Promoting this initiative in our state would offer substantial advantages, and serve a dual purpose. Academically, it would open pathways for local students to pursue the subject without leaving the state, gradually strengthening Arunachal’s mental health workforce. At present, many youths are forced to move elsewhere for their education in this field, as no schools and only two higher education institutes in the state (department of psychology at Rajiv Gandhi University and St Claret’s College, Ziro) offer seats in the discipline.

The establishment of Campus Health Centres for Children in Schools will be a preventative means to establish campus counselling services and student assistance programs, develop peer form-based support initiatives for mental health, and create safe environments where students can seek support without fear, stigma or judgement. By developing a fundamental understanding of psychological concepts, students, teachers, and administrators will be able to identify early warning signs, respond with sensitivity, and lower stigma and provide psychological first aid to people in crisis situations. It is anticipated that through this shared understanding of basic psychology, a Culture of Kindness will emerge on Campus Health Centres for Children in Schools. In all of the Centres for Children in Schools, we anticipate that awareness of psychological concepts will, ultimately, support a culture of kindness in which people will help each other and support each other emotionally. In a Culture of Kindness, those who are feeling distressed will seek assistance rather than experiencing it as a sign of weakness; instead they will consider it to be a strength.  Awareness of these issues will result in the establishment of safe environments for all students and the entire education community, therefore decreasing the overall burden of mental health on everybody.

There are also national policy frameworks providing direction and assistance for the need for mental health support for students. For example, The National Education Policy, 2020 acknowledges mental health, emotional well-being, and life skills as integral elements of a comprehensive education system. The policy specifies that every educational institution must have trained counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals on their staff. The policy also stresses the importance of educating the public (both educators and parents) about mental health, stresses the need to provide early warning signs for psychological distress and also includes the need to train all teachers and students in emotional regulation, stress management, and psychosocial support. Similarly, The University Grants Commission has repeatedly directed higher education institutions to provide structured counselling services, hire appropriately qualified psychologists, and create accessible mental health support systems for students. At the K-12 level, The National Council of Educational Research and Training recommends Guidance and Counselling Programs, Peer Support Programs, and Socio-Emotional Learning Frameworks to enhance Resilience in Children and Adolescents. However, creating and promulgating policy is inadequate in itself. What Arunachal needs is effective implementation of these frameworks within the education sectors to impact local realities.

Today, educational institutions need to become more than just buildings where students come to learn, they must also become safe spaces where students can come to discuss their emotional well-being, wants and needs. Adding psychology to the curriculum and providing counselors on campus is an academic structural change, but rather an investment toward emotional safety, the feeling of belonging and hope for a bright future. In order for Arunachal to create a community of resilient, mentally healthy, and hopeful students, we need to work together as a community to turn such dreams into a reality.

A 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura, Anjel Chakma, died of injuries on December 26 because of a ruthless stabbing triggered by racial slurs in Uttarakhand's capital. The incident, which happened on December 9 in Selaqui, has sparked protests demanding justice and a national law against hate crimes targeting Northeast Indians.

The incident occurred when Anjel and his younger brother Michael, both studying in Dehradun for more than a year, were on their way to buy groceries when they encountered a group of six men who used abusive terms like "Chinese". In defiance, Anjel, not one to take things lying down, shot back, "We are not Chinese. We are Indians. What certificate should we show to prove that?" The reply was immediate-the knives lashed at the neck and spine of Anjel, leaving him critically injured. Michael, 21, suffered serious injuries and was still admitted to the hospital.

The figure, however, is not going to be symmetrical.

Friends remember Anjel as soft-spoken and affable; his last assertion of identity, a heart-wrenching resistance to xenophobia. The body was airlifted to Agartala on December 27, where grief gave way to anger. All support to the family came from Tipra Motha Party chairman Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, who lashed out at the attack: "It’s tragic that patriotic Northeast people are called Chinese and assaulted. These incidents divide us when unity is vital." Youth Tipra Federation’s Suraj Debbarma drew out the hypocrisy at play: while the Northeast opens its doors to northern students out of hospitality, in return, it faces routine xenophobia abroad. The nursing career structure, as requested. 

The police first registered the FIR on December 12 based on Michael's complaint under BNS sections for hurt, intimidation, and weapons. By December 14, charges had escalated to attempted murder and conspiracy, and when he died, charges of murder [103(1)] and common intention [3(5)] were added. Five accused were arrested, of which two were juveniles. The prime suspect, Yagya Awasthi, managed to flee to Nepal, and a reward of Rs 25,000 was announced, with pursuit teams deployed. It was previously unthinkable and unheard of for our nationals to be interrogated or tortured by Central or local agencies for anything. Protests erupt in Northeast colleges and Dehradun, voices rise louder for systemic changes against racism that feeds on regional identities.

Tele MANAS, which stands for a National Toll-Free Mental Health Helpline in India, has proved to be a vital support service in view of growing concerns with respect to mental health in the country, with a total of nearly 30 lakh calls being registered since inception. The magnitude of reach can well be judged by stating that this registers an average of two calls a minute, which speaks volumes about a heightened demand for such support. The information was provided by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai in a written form to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

Tele MANAS started operations on 10th October, 2022, on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, under the National Tele Mental Health Programme by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Tele Mental Health Counseling Service aims to provide these services for FREE and uninterrupted through a common Helpline Number-14416 in 20 different languages of our country. As of now, this common helpline service has answered approximately 29.82 lakh calls through a network of 53 working cells in this country. These working cells will be guided by 23 Mentoring Institutes & five Regional Coordination Centers.

Additionally, government statistics indicate that the age bracket of 31-60 years comprises the major number of people contacting such support services, driven by worries of work pressure, family and financial responsibilities, and finally health issues. Cases of distress calls were recorded from a total of 37 states and Union Territories because of anxiety, depression, stress, and emotional disturbances among other factors. Such a broad reach indicated increased awareness on one side but a lack of accessible support services on another side. In response to these evolving requirements, the tele MANAS service platform has expanded to cater to more than the audio-format tele-counselling provisions too. 

A mobile application for conducting video sessions has been launched on World Mental Health Day in 2024. The total calls have already recorded over 18 lakh in February 2025, largely because of a post-pandemic psychology impact, loneliness, uncertainty, and insufficient mental healthcare support in the country in general, according to a surge in calls explained by psychiatry circles. While Tele MANAS service has bridged some gaps in access, especially in distant regions, support hotlines can never cope with such a massive crisis in numbers, according to psychiatry circles, when they demand increased focus on human resources and strategic handling for challenges such as suicide prevention and chronic mental health conditions. The increasing demand for calls in support hotlines indicated an expansion requirement in mental healthcare support in the country during relevant parliament sessions on handling this crisis.

Human behavior is often apparently predictable on the surface, but just beneath that veneer, a very different landscape is shaped-one of fear, desire, manipulation, and survival. The darker side of human nature isn't found necessarily in drastic acts; it can exist rather silently in offices, relationships, families, and communities. These ten books look upon that unseen terrain with candor, psychological depth, and clarity that unsettles you long after the last page. They afford an opportunity to understand the shadows that shape us, even when we choose not to see them.

Snakes in Suits by Paul Babiak and Robert D. Hare

The book represents an uncommonly transparent look at corporate psychopathy. Using their extensive and intensive research, Babiak and Hare describe how those who possess the psychopathic tendencies manipulate others to get themselves through the workplace by posing as charismatic, capable, and confident people. They find their ideal ecosystem in settings where results are rewarded without scrutiny. With subtle patterns of behavior, the authors identify how such people manipulate colleagues for upward mobility. This book uses case studies and psychological insight to describe with precision just how polished professionalism often masks highly dangerous charm and just why organizations usually don't recognize the signs until damage has been done.

In Sheep's Clothing by George K. Simon

Simon writes about covert aggression, manipulation that seldom appears violent but which leaves a deep psychological mark. He explains how guilt, subtle intimidation, and distorted communication work to make points yet seem innocuous. It provides a roadmap to recognize these tactics and understand why often the victim can't seem to articulate what's happening. It is the clarity by Simon himself that makes visible these psychological patterns, which then helps the readers understand the emotional toll of strategic manipulations and the cost of staying silent when over and over again boundaries are crossed.

Without Conscience by Robert D. Hare

This groundbreaking book by Robert Hare, the creator of the psychopathy checklist, describes a condition characterized by emotional coldness, superficial charm, and a complete absence of guilt. Drawing on three decades of research, Hare describes how psychopaths think, what they do, and why so many seem invisible until it's too late. Chilling case studies show what can happen when an individual is completely devoid of empathy. It demolishes assumptions about evil and asks us to look at an unnerving possibility: some people really don't have a conscience.

The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson Jon Ronson approaches the world of psychopathy with curiosity, fear, and humor, which makes what should be a deeply complex topic rather accessible. He meets clinicians, victims, self-proclaimed psychopaths, and people wrongly labeled as such. By doing this, Ronson shows the dangers of oversimplifying psychological diagnoses. The book looks at how institutions fail, how labels are used and misused, and how society tries to categorize behavior that refuses to fit neatly into boxes. This is a book that reminds one that the human mind is far more complicated than clinical checklists might suggest.

The Lucifer Effect by Philip Zimbardo The Stanford Prison Experiment by Zimbardo had sought to explain how ordinary people could be capable of extraordinary cruelty. He wrote that circumstances, systems, and social pressure can compel people to do things that they never could have imagined being capable of doing. From the case history down to psychological theory to his reflections on the experiment and how power, anonymity, and obedience affect human behavior, Zimbardo will take the readers on a historical journey. His analysis makes one confront the uncomforting idea: the capability for cruelty actually lies in every person under the right conditions. 

Dark Psychology by James Williams James Williams tackles concepts about manipulation, persuasion, and influence from a psychological perspective. He spelled out everything from emotional weaknesses down to cognitive shortcuts regarding how people with malicious intent play on the vulnerabilities of others. It looks at the motivations for destructive behavior, tactics used for control, and the extent of psychological consequences that such practices have on those who fall into these patterns. Williams gives a disturbing yet realistic view of how power can go awry when empathy is lacking. Behaviors often hidden behind polite smiles or confident personalities come into the light. 

The Wisdom of Psychopaths by Kevin Dutton Kevin Dutton looks at psychopathy from arguably its most unlikely perspective: just how some psychopathic traits may appear in surgeons, soldiers, entrepreneurs, and athletes. He investigates the thin line between controlled ruthlessness and self-destructive behavior. The book raises unsettling questions about success, ambition, and qualities which society unwittingly rewards. Dutton’s research indicates that the traits we fear can, in certain circumstances, become tools for high performance if hardwired by discipline and context. 

People of the Lie by M. Scott Peck M. Scott Peck reports on the psychology of everyday evil, focusing not on great acts but on subtle harm within families and communities. He contends that the roots of evil are often to be found in self-deception, pride, and an unwillingness to take responsibility. Using case histories and his own experience, Peck demonstrates how destructiveness can be masked as goodness or moral righteousness. The book is a challenge to its readers to recognize patterns of harmful behavior that are frequently denied or misunderstood. 

Games People Play by Eric Berne Berne's classic work defines and outlines the psychological scripts people repeat in relationships. He explains how people play unconscious emotional games to underpin patterns of conflict, intimacy, and power. These usually mask hidden motives and unresolved pain. He shows through his analysis just how dark communication can be and why people pursue roles that hurt them. The book is timeless because it reveals just how much of human interaction is driven by fear, insecurity, and long-standing emotional habits. 

The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout Martha Stout writes about one of those most basic yet disconcerting facts: a small portion of people have no conscience whatsoever. She explains how sociopaths manipulate and harm with ease, charming people while looking perfectly normal. Using lively examples, Stout shows just how to recognize the red flags and understand the emotional aftermath of deals with such personalities. The book helps readers learn to trust intuition and understand the difference between ordinary conflict and predatory behavior contrived to exploit a position of vulnerability. It is not found merely in extreme stories or rare psychological profiles but in ambitions, manipulation, deceptions, and small moral compromises people make daily. The following ten books bring that complexity into focus without judgment or sensationalism. They speak together toward a deeper understanding of the forces that shape behavior, repeating relationship patterns, and the resilience needed to confront uncomfortable truths. This is where the greatest value of these books lies-not in fuelling fear but in clarity, a gift to anyone who wants eyes to see the mind of humanity sharp.

It was Gen Z that changed how India spoke about its emotions, making invisible battles like stress, burnout, and anxiety everyday conversations. Psychologists explain why it's a trend, how social media shapes it, and what it means for this emotional evolution and all of us.

Have a more-than-five-minute-long conversation with any member of Generation Z, and there's one thing you notice above everything else: they speak this language of emotions with an ease that has never been seen in a generation before. Where millennials grew up brushing things off as "tension" or "overthinking", Gen Z is comfortable naming the uncomfortable: burnout, anxiety, delulu, OCD, and everything in between.

Some say they are being over-dramatic; psychologists say they are finally breaking patterns of silence. As always, the truth is somewhere in the middle. We reached out to Ms. Nishtha Jain, Counselling Psychologist at Lissun, Mental Health Platform, to help throw light on the subject. What is not disputable, though, is that this generation has completely turned the rules around in the way we speak about mental health, and in so doing, they have forced the rest of us to have a rethink about our emotional vocabulary too.

Their superpower is emotional literacy. Gen Z has no fear in naming what they feel. Actually, they are really good at naming it. They grew up with therapy content, mental health creators, open conversations, and way less stigma than their parents ever did. That's why what the older generation dismisses as "shyness" is confidently labeled "social anxiety," and what is just regular tiredness becomes "burnout." That's not hyperbole; that's how they feel about themselves. And that's one of the reasons they're more likely to get help than suffer in silence. But sometimes, this emotional vocabulary blurs the lines: more language, more expression, but sometimes more mislabeling. According to psychologists, that is a trend-on the rise-to make regular discomfort into clinical terms. Of course, this does not belie their feelings but reminds us that self-awareness needs to go hand in glove with accuracy. We're understanding, not self-diagnosing. Social-media effect: overstimulation, endless comparison Gen Z lives in a world of "input overload": notifications, reels, messages, curated perfection, loops of comparison. Their minds almost never get a second of quiet time. The overstimulation makes the emotions bigger, faster, and much harder to process. Add to that the pressure to be successful, relevant, productive, and emotionally aware at once, and it's little wonder they lean so heavily on mental health vocabulary to explain their internal world. They created "safe spaces" for everyone, even the generations before them. One of the most powerful shifts Gen Z has driven is in creating safe spaces around emotional struggles. Because they are unapologetic about naming their feelings, the older generations are starting to open up, too. What was once “Don’t talk about it” has become “Let’s talk about it.” According to therapists, this openness trickles into small towns, conservative families, workplaces, and schools-places that had no emotional vocabulary whatsoever before the emergence of Gen Z. In other words, Gen Z isn't just changing how they feel; they're changing how we all understand mental health.