Student mental health struggles are more common than many parents realize, yet counselling is often dismissed. As a mother of two and a life coach who has worked with countless families, I’ve seen firsthand how untreated emotional struggles lead to anxiety, procrastination, and self-doubt in children. Many parents unknowingly invalidate their child’s feelings, not realizing the long-term effects.”

Most parents wonder why a child needs counselling for mental health struggles and avoid counselling which then leads to negative habits.

As a mother, life coach, and entrepreneur, I, Ritu Singal have seen many parents dismiss children’s mental health struggles, believing that because they endured worse, their children should toughen up.

Statements like these invalidate a child’s feelings:

• .””I’ and others have faced worse yet we turned out fine”
• “Why don’t you be more like your sister?”
• “Stop being so sensitive.”
• I’m being hard on you to teach you how to handle the outside world.”
• “What you’re going through is nothing!”

What parents don’t realize is that growing up with harsh discipline—being beaten for the smallest things—can lead to perfectionism, procrastination, and a critical inner dialogue. Some children grow up feeling exhausted all the time, assuming it’s due to age or medication when in reality, it’s a trauma response.

Many parents are traumatized themselves but don’t recognize it. Some become workaholics or alcoholics, believing their childhood did not affect them. Others struggle with constant anxiety, irritability, or a lack of motivation. Mental health issues in students are real and significant. Trauma manifests differently in everyone—some people become people-pleasers, unable to say no, while others struggle with self-doubt, anger, or emotional numbness.

“Why Should I Listen to My Child Now?”

Many parents think, “When I was young, I had to listen to my parents. Now, I have to listen to my child too because of their mental health struggles. When will someone listen to me?”

I understand where this feeling comes from. But learning loving ways to discipline your child doesn’t just make you a better parent—it also helps you heal your inner child. You’ll learn how to treat yourself with kindness and respect your boundaries in a way you never received as a child.

“Expert advice can be helpful if you’re having trouble understanding your child’s mental health.Many parents have found that having a safe, confidential space allows both them and their children to process emotions without fear of judgment.”Hence both the child and parent need counselling . The child needs d student counselling services and the parent needs parent counselling services

Recognizing When to Seek Help

Families should know the signs that indicate something is beyond normal and requires attention. In India, mental illness is often stigmatized, but in other countries, patients going through trauma or distress are assigned psychologists to help them cope effectively. Let’s break the stigma and understand mental health better.

What is Mental Illness?

Mental illness is a physical illness of the brain—just like thyroid issues affect the body, mental illness affects thinking, behaviour, energy, and emotions, making daily life difficult. As the National Institute of Mental Health states:

“No health without mental health.”

Signs to Look Out For:

• Changes in eating habits
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Withdrawing from people and activities
• Low energy levels
• Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
• Confusion, forgetfulness, irritability, or nervousness
• Inability to complete daily tasks
• Severe mood swings
• Thoughts of self-harm
• Increased drug or alcohol consumption

Each mental illness has unique symptoms, and no two experiences are the same. If you or someone you know is struggling, seek support from family, friends, or a counsellor. Overthinking only worsens unhappiness.

How to Cope with Mental Health Struggles

• Eat healthy, balanced meals.
• Exercise regularly (yoga, workouts).
• Engage in activities that bring joy.
• Develop a resilient mindset—never give up.
• Talk to your loved ones—don’t struggle in silence.

Mental health struggles are nothing to be ashamed of. Healing takes time, but asking for help is a courageous step.

Ask for Help Before It’s Too Late

This isn’t just about famous people like Ira Khan. It’s not just about a few children or families I’ve worked with. I have seen mental illness up close—my mother suffered from severe mental illness and had to undergo electric shocks.

Why? Because back then, we didn’t understand mental health. We thought, “Oh, it’s just her nature,” or “She’s just tired.” By the time we realized what was happening, it had worsened significantly.

Mental illness is real. It is serious. And it needs to be addressed.

What Are Student Counselling Services?

Student counselling services are just like regular coaching services, but they focus on the mental and emotional well-being of students. As your life coach, I will help you understand what’s going on in your life and guide you toward overcoming mental health challenges.

“Healing takes time, but no one has to go through it alone. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and seeking support—whether for yourself or your child—is a sign of strength, not weakness. Let’s break the stigma and create a world where mental wellness is prioritized. If this resonates with you, know that support is always available.”

Let’s work together on improving our minds and our families. Asking for assistance is a step towards resilience and strength, not a sign of weakness.. Let’s build mental health resilience together. It’s never too late. Even if you a parent feel that you have some mental health issues we can talk about it. Let’s be the change we want to see in ourselves and others. Healing takes time , but you don’t have to go through it alone, support is always available.