Mental health helpline services for students during matriculation exam results: A unique psychosocial intervention model.

Abstract

During and after the matriculation exam results, students face a lot of pressure, anxiety, stress, and depression, and this is associated with deliberate self-harm and even suicide. Hence, the government of Karnataka launched a helpline service in collaboration with National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru. This helpline provided psychosocial support to 10^th standard students before, during, and after their exam results. To understand the major stressors associated with the matriculation (SSLC) exam results and to provide psychosocial support. A qualitative research design was used, and the study was conducted in Karnataka state, India. The helpline was accessible to all Karnataka 10^th standard students and their family members. The helpline number was publicized widely on state news media platforms, including government websites. The data used for this study included all the calls received on this helpline during May 2022. About 532 students called the helpline. The average age of the caller is 15.5 years. There were more male students (62%) than female students (38%). The callers reported psychosocial issues such as informational concerns (238%), emotional and behavioral disturbances (36%), family issues (13%), and subject-related issues (12%). These issues were addressed by professionals with primary, secondary, and tertiary level interventions. Students are worried about their exam results. It may have short-term and long-term impacts on their mental health. Therefore, this unique model suggests remedial measures such as psychosocial care for students.