MUMBAI: A 19-year-old student from Mumbai’s western suburbs had become increasingly withdrawn, isolating herself from social activities after her father’s sudden passing. She confided in a classmate that her mother had become distant and uncommunicative, leading her to feel like a burden and struggle with her daily routine. Her distress was so profound that she sometimes found it difficult to get out of bed.
Fortunately, her classmate, trained to identify mental health issues and signs of suicidal thoughts, recognized her plight. He suggested they visit a trusted friend who could offer non-judgmental support and accompanied her to a therapist who had previously helped him during a family crisis.
This support system is part of a broader initiative in India where 52 colleges are involved in the COPE (Counselling and Outreach for Peer Empowerment) program. This initiative trains student volunteers to identify and report signs of suicidal thoughts and other mental health concerns among their peers. The goal is to facilitate early intervention and provide timely support to those in need.
Dr. Anju Kapoor, Principal of SVKM’s Usha Pravin Gandhi College, highlighted the importance of the program. “By equipping students with the skills to recognize and address mental health issues, we are fostering a supportive community that can offer crucial help before problems escalate,” she said.
The COPE program represents a significant step toward creating a network of informed and empathetic peers who can make a meaningful difference in the mental well-being of their fellow students.
Related topics:
