Helpline for stressed-out students

What do stressed-out students do to cope with the pressure? Some confide or chill out with friends, some take to sports, or yoga - while a few work the phones and call a helpline! Yes, there's a distress helpline called Sahai (25497777) for confused students who don't know whether to listen to Daddy, Sir, or Buddy.

Lata Jacob, Administrator, Medico Pastoral Association which runs the Sahai helpline, narrates a recent incident of a boy studying in his high school who was severely pressurized by his parents to do well in studies. They wanted him to become an engineer, whereas he was more interested in taking up in a agri-related career. Harried by his parents, one day the boy picked up the phone, dialed Sahai, and poured out his woes to Latha Jacob. The boy said he didn't want to displease his parents, but he didn't want to become an engineer. The Administrator gave him a patient hearing, and explained to him that he could explore some options that were a mix of both engineering and agriculture. Apparently, that did the trick, and the boy's got over his depression.

Here are some tips on how we as parents and teachers should handle children so that the pressure does not get to them:

• Encourage a child who is confused to take up aptitude tests and career counseling.
• Encourage them to talk instead of just pressuring them to do well in exams.
• Talk to them and get to know their needs and interests.
• Encourage them to express their feelings and fears openly.
• Allow them to learn and do things at their own pace.
• Do not put too much pressure on them to excel.