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The Health department is set to organise a Statewide awareness campaign titled ‘Learn Happily’ (Santhoshathode Padikkam), to protect students’ mental health and to create a happy learning environment for them.
The campaign, being organised in collaboration with the Education department and as part of World Mental Health Day observance, will be held from October 12 to 17 in government schools and all government-controlled educational institutions across the State, Health Minister K. Muraleedharan said here on Thursday (October 8, 2026).
The campaign will give priority to the early identification of students facing academic pressure, exam anxiety, anxiety and isolation and provide them with the necessary counseling, mental health support and follow-up care.
Awareness sessions
Awareness classes, debates, counselling sessions and creative activities will be organised for students. Special awareness sessions will also be held on the role of teachers and parents in protecting children’s mental health.
Special programmes will be organised to protect students from falling into substance abuse and to raise awareness about its harmful effects. Necessary guidance and counselling support will be given to prevent children from falling into bad company or circumstances which could lead them astray.
Mr. Muraleedharan directed that the services of psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, mental health experts, counsellors and others under the Health department and the Medical Education department be utilised to the fullest extent for the campaign.
All resources in government medical colleges, the District Mental Health Programme and district health administrations will be made use of to provide necessary counselling and expert services in schools. Taking into account the specific mental health needs of students with disabilities, suitable mental health support, counselling and awareness activities will be ensured for them, along with their active participation in all campaign activities.
Misconceptions, stigma
In order to reduce misconceptions about mental health and stigma related to mental health, awareness messages will be circulated with the active participation of students, teachers and parents.
The Minister also said that the Director of Health Services and the Director of Medical Education have been instructed to implement the campaign effectively at the district level and submit a report at the State level.
Published – October 08, 2026 09:56 pm IST
