Student life is a phase marked by significant transitions—both exciting and challenging. It is a time of growth, exploration, and self-discovery, often accompanied by new academic expectations, evolving relationships, and changing environments. We may feel a whole array of emotions from a desire to do well academically, to aspirations of having a happy future, to the excitement and thrill of exploring romantic and peer relationships, to a longing for family and friends back home for those of us studying outside our hometowns.
Balancing academic responsibilities, personal well-being, and social connections can sometimes feel overwhelming. Adjusting to new ideas, people, and spaces while coping with uncertainties, setbacks, or feelings of loss is an integral part of this journey. It is important to recognise that these experiences are valid and that seeking support can make a meaningful difference.
Benefits of Counselling for Students
Since the challenges faced during this time of life can be quite overwhelming, regularly checking in with how you are feeling becomes essential. If you find it difficult to manage your emotions or feel overwhelmed, reaching out for support can be a helpful step. It is natural to feel unsure about whom to confide in—while some may turn to friends or loved ones, others may prefer to process things internally.
Counselling offers a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts and feelings. Trained mental health professionals can support you in understanding and managing a range of concerns, including:
â—Ź Academic stress and performance-related pressures
â—Ź Relationship and interpersonal challenges
â—Ź Feelings of anxiety, low mood, or distress
â—Ź Career-related uncertainties and decision-making
Seeking support is not a sign of weakness, but a step towards self-awareness and well-being.
How iCALL Can Support You
iCALL is a free counselling service that counselling through telephone and email. Established in 2012 as a field action project of the School of Human Ecology at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, iCALL aims to make mental health support accessible to anyone in need—regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or race.
Our services are designed to be easily accessible, regardless of where you are located. We strive to provide professional, empathetic, and confidential support to help you navigate your concerns at your own pace.
In addition to individual counselling, iCALL also conducts workshops and training programmes for educational institutions, corporates, government bodies, and NGOs. These sessions can be customised to your institution’s specific needs, covering a wide range of mental health and well-being topics.
Help Us Reach More Students
You can play an important role in making mental health support more accessible by spreading awareness about iCALL within your institution and networks. This could include:
â—Ź Sharing posters, flyers, or newsletters on campus notice boards or common areas
â—Ź Talking about iCALL on social media platforms
â—Ź Informally sharing information with peers through conversations
If possible, you may also connect with your institution’s Principal or Vice-Chancellor to invite iCALL to conduct workshops or awareness sessions.
Every effort to share information can help someone access support when they need it most.
Connect With Us
If you would like to collaborate, organise a session, or explore ways to spread awareness, we would be glad to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out to us for further details.
Madhuri Tambe – Programme Associate
iCALL Psychosocial Helpline
E-mail: contact.icall@tiss.ac.in
is a psychological helpline that aims to provide high quality telephone counselling and internet based support services which will significantly improve mental health and the well being of individuals as well as the community.
