NIST University

College life is often portrayed as an exciting journey filled with learning, friendships, and opportunities. However, beneath the surface, many undergraduate students face an invisible challenge: anxiety. Academic expectations, social pressures, career uncertainties, financial concerns, and the constant pursuit of success can create overwhelming stress. While occasional worry is a normal part of life, persistent anxiety can significantly affect a student's academic performance, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Student mental health in Indian colleges has reached a tipping point. A 2025 study surveying 1,628 students aged 18-29 from higher educational institutions across eight major Indian cities found that the majority exhibited moderate to high levels of anxiety (69.9%), depression (59.9%), loss of behavioral/emotional control (65.1%), and distress (70.3%) ( Cherian et al., 2025 ). The study also noted that anxiety and depression comprise one-third of the disease...