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Jaisoorya T. S., Joseph S, Kalarani K. S., Menon M, Smita G. S., Shini V. S., Jose SE, Mahesh M. M., Shibu K, Sujisha T. G., Jayaprakashan K. P., Kiran P. S., Anil Kumar T. V., Vigneshwari V., Titus U. Framework and Overview of a State-Wide College Mental Health Program in Kerala, India. Indian J Psychol Med 2023; 45:526-532. [PMID: 37772133 PMCID: PMC10523527 DOI: 10.1177/02537176221122407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mental health issues are common among college students, and structured services have been proven to enhance outcomes. Despite increased enrolment for higher education in India, college mental health services remain sparse. JEEVANI is the first structured state-wide college mental health service in India. This paper describes its framework and provides an overview of its functioning during the initial five months. Methods In 2019-2020, the Directorate of Collegiate Education, Government of Kerala, implemented the program in 66 colleges catering to approximately 60,000 students. Qualified counsellors were trained to identify issues and provide interventions and early referrals, using a stepped-care approach. They conducted awareness programs to promote mental health and reduce stigma. Results The services were accessed by 2,315 students during the assessment period (October 2019 to February 2020). The beneficiaries were predominantly females (54.1%). Over a third (38.8%) belonged to the lower socio-economic strata, and 2.5% had significant vulnerabilities. Although no syndromal diagnoses were made, anxiety and depression were the most common presentations. The counsellors provided 3,758 individual sessions and facilitated support for students who reported academic difficulties or interpersonal issues. Severe mental illness was detected in 54 students, and referrals for specialist mental health input were initiated in 68. Conclusion Describing the framework, sharing the technical material, and providing an overview of its functioning from a resource-constrained setting in India may encourage higher education institutions in low- and middle-income countries to consider similar projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaisoorya T. S.
- Dept. of Psychiatry, National
Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Shiju Joseph
- Dept. of Psychology, Government
College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Kalarani K. S.
- Dept. of Psychology, Government
College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Maya Menon
- Dept. of Psychology, Government
College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Smita G. S.
- Dept. of Psychology, Government
College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Shini V. S.
- Dept. of Psychology, Government
College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Sheril Elizabeth Jose
- Dept. of Psychology, Government
College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Mahesh M. M.
- Dept. of Psychology, Government
College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Shibu K
- Dept. of Psychology, University
College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Sujisha T. G.
- Dept. of Psychology, Sri C Achutha
Menon Government College, Thrissur, Kerala, India
| | - Jayaprakashan K. P.
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Government
Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Kiran P. S.
- Dept. of Health and Family Welfare,
Government of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Anil Kumar T. V.
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Government
Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | | | - Usha Titus
- Dept. of Higher Education, Government
of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
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