Ludhiana Witnesses Notable Rise in Student Exam Anxiety Cases
Mental health professionals in Ludhiana, including psychiatrists, counselors, and specialists, are observing a marked increase in students seeking assistance for anxiety and stress, particularly during examination periods and the tense phases leading up to result declarations. With more children coming forward—often accompanied by parents—experts are advocating for a combination of relaxation methods, structured routines, enhanced sleep habits, and improved communication between parents and children as effective ways to handle academic pressures.
Growing Concerns Among Young Students
According to psychiatrists, students ranging from as young as 11 to 12 years old up to 17 to 18 years are increasingly displaying symptoms of exam-related anxiety. A few postgraduate students have also recently approached specialists. The stress primarily stems from fears of failure, pressure to excel, sleep disturbances, memory issues, irritability, and in some instances, aggression directed toward parents.
Insights from Local Psychiatrists
City-based psychiatrist Dr. Anshu Gupta noted that he typically sees around two to three patients daily dealing with examination-linked anxiety. Most arrive with their parents, though some children approach him independently. He explained that many students express fear of failure and feel overwhelmed by expectations, leading to sleep problems and memory lapses. Some also experience stress related to results, with cases of irritability or aggression—often targeted at mothers—being not uncommon.
Dr. Gupta emphasized that counseling is usually the primary treatment approach. Students are encouraged to recall past successes, focus on putting forth their best efforts, and practice relaxation exercises and meditation, including yoga. He added that in a minority of cases, short-term medication may be necessary, but counseling remains the most crucial intervention. He also highlighted that many students suffer silently without seeking help, advising that the issue is treatable and should not be ignored. Specialists stress that counseling parents is an equally vital part of the process.
Similar Patterns at Medical Institutions
At DMCH, Dr. Navkiran Soch Mahajan, head of the psychiatry department, reported seeing about two to three such cases almost every day. She mentioned that three students who had dropped out of examinations due to stress visited her clinic just the previous day. These students often exhibit symptoms of anxiety, irritability, and an inability to cope with academic demands.
Dr. Mahajan stated that besides counseling the child, they also counsel parents, reminding them that a child is more than a report card and that several life qualities are unrelated to marks. She advises parents to focus on holistic development rather than just grades. For students, her team recommends proper sleep of around eight hours, a balanced diet, and regular relaxation practices. She added that taking short breaks of five to ten minutes after every half hour to an hour of studying helps reduce stress, along with deep breathing exercises.
The same trend has been noted at Civil Hospital, where psychiatrist Dr. Arvind Goyal has seen five to seven such patients since the exam season began. Only one required an anxiolytic drug, with the rest managed through counseling. He advises students to practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and yoga, schedule their activities, exercise regularly, spend time in nature, and ensure at least eight hours of sleep.
Dr. Goyal noted that parents, who mostly accompany their children, are advised to spend more time with them, offer repeated reassurance, avoid raising expectations excessively, and understand that grades do not reflect a child's true abilities. He said the same message is conveyed to the students.
Counselors Emphasize Practical Strategies
Counselors in the city echoed these views, stating that along with emotional support, practical strategies and lifestyle guidance are important tools in helping students cope with academic pressure. They noted that while a small amount of stress can motivate better performance, excessive stress can lead to anxiety-related disorders.
City-based clinical psychologist Dr. Param Saini explained that they use a mix of emotional support, study-related strategies, and lifestyle modifications to help students manage exam-related stress. As part of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), students are guided to replace negative thoughts with more realistic ones, break large tasks into smaller achievable goals, and focus on effort rather than perfection. Dr. Saini added that time management, consistency, regular exercise, limited screen time and social media use, a healthy diet, hydration, and adequate sleep are key components of the guidance provided.
She also mentioned that parents are advised not to impose their unfulfilled ambitions on their children and to share their own failures, not just successes, so children understand that setbacks are a normal part of life.
Collective Emphasis on Manageability and Support
Mental health specialists collectively emphasize that exam stress is common but manageable. Early intervention, family support, and a balanced lifestyle can protect students from long-term psychological impacts.
Constructive Stress Management Tips
For students:
- Practice relaxation exercises regularly.
- Take breaks of 5 to 10 minutes after every half hour to an hour while studying.
- Ensure adequate sleep of around eight hours.
- Engage in regular physical exercise.
- Maintain a healthy diet and proper hydration.
- Limit screen time and social media usage.
- Spend quality time with family.
For parents:
- Avoid excessive pressure or comparisons with others.
- Provide emotional support instead of focusing solely on grades and marks.
- Encourage discipline and time management in children.
- Do not have unrealistic expectations from children.
- Share stories of both failures and successes in life.
- Monitor children's screen time and social media usage.
