IIT JEE Preparation and the Struggle with Anxiety and Depression

The IIT JEE aspirants wholeheartedly invest all their time in preparation for the JEE exams. It becomes that bullseye that they have to hit, which would earn them a medal like the Olympic athletes.

Their focus is like Arjuna studying in the gurukul, trying to hit the bird’s eye with his arrow and become the greatest archer.

Amidst all these, JEE aspirants tend to brush their mental health under the rug, the result of which can be catastrophic.

Mental Health Issues: A Discussion

It is no secret that mental health issues are a growing concern in the modern world.

According to the Institute of Health Metrics Evaluation (IHME), around 13% of the global population, or 971 million people, suffer from some kind of mental disorder.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant rise in the number of people impacted by mental health issues, specifically depression and anxiety. As per a World Health Organisation (WHO) report, in the first year of the pandemic alone, there has been a 25% spike in depression and anxiety issues among the global population.

Depression is known to be a silent killer, and anxiety is known to numb and paralyse your functioning capabilities for hours, days, and even weeks.

And the combination of both can be deadlier than poison.

Depression and anxiety are quite prevalent among the youth, despite the denial of society, even among students.

The Mental Health Struggle of JEE Aspirants

Mental health issues are a growing concern among JEE aspirants. Ever-growing competition, pressure from parents and peers, and fear of failure are some of the biggest contributors to the mental health epidemic among JEE aspirants, and the result is oftentimes a loss of life.

The everyday news story from Kota, the known centre for JEE and NEET preparation, is not unheard of by us Indians. The cases of suicide spiked so much that they made international headlines.

Reasons for the Mental Health Struggle of JEE Aspirants

There are an array of reasons as to why JEE aspirants aren’t mentally healthy.

These reasons extend to family and societal pressure, ignorance and ill-treatment of students by coaching institutes, feeling secluded, fear of failure, and a lack of a supportive environment.

This isn’t an exclusive list of reasons why students fall victim to mental health issues; sometimes there isn’t any external factor to begin with, and sometimes the factor can be internal.

Why do IIT JEE Students Struggle with Mental Health Issues?

1. Mental Pressure

Mental pressure is brought up by the students in many ways, but most importantly by family and peers.

The unattainable expectations from children by Indian parents are not a secret; it has been a contention for debate, discussion, and even the punchline of many jokes in India and outside of India.

But behind the veil of the laughter of those jokes resides a dark reality of students feeling less than because of the fear of not being able to meet their parents’ expectations.

The pressure from peers comes directly from them and indirectly in the form of comparisons from family.

All these combined students struggle with meeting the expectations of other people rather than working for their own better future and happiness, which leads to mental health and self-confidence issues.

2. Unequipped Institutes and Faculty

It wouldn’t be unfair to say that IIT JEE coaching institutes have cropped up like wild mushrooms all over India, and just like wild mushrooms, these institutes are harmful.

Is every JEE coaching institute bad? No. But many exert so much undue pressure on students, or lack thereof, because they are looking to focus more on students who can be rank holders, so they can plaster it all over town, showcasing that.

Which leads the rest of the students to suffer from a lack of motivation, support, and/or guidance.

A good JEE coaching institute provides the same kind of facilities to all students, including guidance counselling for them not only for classes but also for the stress and anxiety they are going through.

 3. Self-Inflicted Unhealthy Behaviour

We discussed in the beginning of this article how JEE aspirants brush their mental health under the rug trying to be Arjuna so they can score good marks and reserve a seat for themselves at the IIT.

The JEE journey to the IIT is hard, laborious, and requires a complete focus, but that focus shouldn’t be at the cost of the sacrifice of your sanity.

A balance needs to be maintained between preparation and rejuvenation. A balance that is either sacrificed by students themselves or made to be by others with a very common thought,

“Work hard now, and enjoy the rest of your life.”

This thought is always followed by the sentiment of giving up everything—your hobbies, your interests, your social life, and sometimes even sleep.

 4. The Fear of Failure

We have already discussed the pressure JEE aspirants face from various sources.

All those fears lead JEE aspirants to doubt their capabilities to clear their JEE exams.

Here are some points on how JEE aspirants can improve their mental health and what others can do to help them:

1. Self-care and Stress Management Techniques:

JEE aspirants should prioritise self-care and stress management techniques as an integral part of their preparation journey. Encouraging regular exercise, mindfulness practices such as meditation or yoga, and maintaining a balanced diet can significantly contribute to managing stress and promoting mental well-being. Additionally, incorporating regular breaks into study schedules and engaging in hobbies or activities they enjoy can provide much-needed relaxation and rejuvenation.

2. Seeking Professional Support:

JEE aspirants need to recognise the importance of seeking professional support for their mental health. Encouraging open conversations about mental well-being and normalising the seeking of counselling or therapy can help aspirants address their concerns and develop healthy coping strategies. Educational institutions and coaching centres should also prioritise providing access to mental health resources, including counselling services and workshops focused on stress management.

3. Creating a Supportive Environment:

Family members, educators, and peers play a crucial role in supporting the mental health of JEE aspirants. Creating a supportive environment involves actively listening to the concerns of aspirants, offering encouragement, and understanding the pressures they face. Parents and educators should focus on fostering a nurturing atmosphere that values well-being over solely academic achievements. Encouraging open communication and providing reassurance can help alleviate the burden of expectations and promote a healthier mindset.

4. Raising Awareness and Destigmatizing Mental Health:

It is imperative to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by JEE aspirants and work towards destigmatizing discussions around depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Promoting initiatives that educate students, parents, and educators about the importance of mental well-being in conjunction with academic success can help shift the narrative. By normalising conversations around mental health and advocating for supportive policies within educational institutions, we can create a more empathetic and understanding environment for JEE aspirants. 

By implementing these strategies, JEE aspirants can work towards nurturing their mental well-being while preparing for the rigorous challenges of the IIT JEE exams. Additionally, fostering a supportive ecosystem that prioritises mental health can significantly contribute to the overall resilience and success of aspiring students.