New Delhi: A hospital is launching a telephone counselling service for students sitting board exams.
A Max Healthcare Hospital statement said the service, which will start from February 20 and be open from 10am to 5pm, will address the concerns and queries of students on dealing with exam-related issues. The 98118-96286 helpline will run until the end of the month.
Students face a host of issues like lack of concentration, loss of appetite, headaches, restlessness, lack of confidence and extreme depression during the exam period.
“Exam stress is a very sensitive and concerning issue,” said Sameer Malhotra, head of the mental health and behavioural sciences department at the hospital. “Stress can predispose to problems of the mind and body as they are closely interlinked by neurochemicals, hormones and immune system.
“Comparisons, parental expectations and peer pressure are major concerns for students attempting their board exams.
“Many students are anxious, stressed and weighed down by expectations. It is quite important for both students and their parents to timely recognise the signs and symptoms of distress and manage them appropriately, timely and effectively.”
The annual exams by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for Classes 12 and 10 will start on March 1. For Class 12, the exams will end on April 17 and for Class 10 by March 15.
