Bangalore, April 2024: PeakMind, a digital counselling and therapy platform, on studying a sample of 11, 000 students across India, reported that approximately 75% of mental health-related inquiries were reported by female participants. Moreover, 3 out of 4 women complain about their health issues affecting their ability to concentrate on studies.

PeakMind’s counsellor, Ms. Srishti, shared: “Women’s health is highly ignored from a young age. Most of the female students I talk to have PCOS or are on the verge of having it, so some help is needed to understand the causes and create better support and understanding instead of just naming them women to whom emotions handle nahi kar pati. Female students also accounted for around 65% of inquiries concerning weight management. PCOS is associated with mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and negative body image. The hormonal imbalances and physical changes can also contribute to emotional distress.”

She further added, “Sexual and relationship issues and concerns related to anxiety and confidence are also more prevalent among female students. There is a strong link between our physical and mental health and getting to the root of the issue to resolve it is the need of the hour. Mental well-being affects physical health, influencing factors like immune function, cardiovascular health, and susceptibility to illness. Conversely, physical health impacts mental wellness, with exercise, nutrition, and sleep playing vital roles in mood regulation, stress management, and overall psychological resilience.”

Neeraj Kumar, Founder & CEO PeakMind shared in the same vein, “Body consciousness in women involves complex psychological dynamics. It affects their self-esteem and emotional well-being. Many struggle to meet unrealistic ideals, set by popular magazines and social media trends, leading to low self-esteem, anxiety and even eating disorders. Addressing these issues requires nurturing self-acceptance, challenging harmful norms, and promoting mental health support. With the right support and encouragement, their dwindling confidence could be restored. Having a positive body image is essential for mental well-being. It fosters self-acceptance, leading to higher self-esteem and confidence. People with a positive body image are more likely to engage in healthy behaviours, perform better in academics and have better relationships, both within and outside of their academic circle. They're less susceptible to anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Students, who are already battling academic distress, need to be taught to cultivate self-compassion and focus on inner qualities rather than outer appearance to enhance their overall happiness and develop resilience. Embracing diversity and self-love fosters a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone to thrive mentally and emotionally.”

According to insights from PeakMind's experienced counselors, there appears to be a notable trend wherein females demonstrate a greater inclination to engage in open and detailed discussions about their concerns compared to their male counterparts. This tendency towards openness often translates into a more thorough exploration of their issues during counseling sessions. Additionally, females exhibit a higher likelihood of following through with recommended sessions, indicating a strong commitment to their mental well-being and personal growth. This gender-specific pattern underscores the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment within mental health services, tailored to meet the unique needs and communication styles of individuals of all genders.

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About PeakMind:

Peakmind is a pioneering digital counselling and therapy platform, uniquely tailored to support students in overcoming challenges in both academic and personal life. Developed by seasoned experts and grounded in thorough research and evidence, it offers unparalleled privacy, accessibility, and expert assistance to students grappling with overwhelming academic and personal pressures. With the mantra "Har baccha, karega accha" (Every child will excel), PeakMind is dedicated to empowering every student with the tools to foster psychological resilience and well-being.