SAATHI Counselling Club: IIT Guwahati's Commitment to Student Mental Health

In an era marked by academic rigor and the pursuit of excellence, it's essential not to overlook the mental health and overall wellbeing of our students. The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) has taken a pioneering step to prioritize student mental wellness by establishing the SAATHI Counselling Club as part of its comprehensive holistic wellbeing program. This blog post explores the remarkable initiatives and unwavering commitment of IIT Guwahati to nurture the mental health and wellbeing of its students.

SAATHI Counselling Club: A Beacon of Support

Aligning with the Ministry of Education's guidelines, IIT Guwahati has made it a priority to enhance sensitivity and understanding among students while providing essential support to those at risk. The SAATHI Counselling Club, staffed by student volunteers, plays a crucial role in this endeavor by collaborating with professional counselors to assist fellow students in their mental and overall wellbeing.

Mandatory Counseling for All Incoming Students

IIT Guwahati has left no stone unturned in ensuring that mental health support is readily accessible to every student. In an effort to underline their commitment to student welfare, counseling has been made mandatory for all incoming students. This approach ensures that support is available right at their doorsteps, emphasizing the significance of mental wellness in academic and personal growth.

Initiatives by SAATHI Counselling Club

The SAATHI Counselling Club has introduced several initiatives aimed at supporting students' overall wellbeing.

1. Ice Breaking Session for First-Year UG Students

As freshers step onto the campus, IIT Guwahati ensures they receive the guidance and support they need. An ice-breaking session is conducted to create a warm and inclusive atmosphere, fostering connections among students. These sessions also raise awareness about mental health and wellbeing resources available through the Counselling Cell and the Center for Holistic Wellbeing.

2. Peer Mentorship Programme

Recognizing the importance of peer support, IIT Guwahati has implemented a Peer Mentorship Programme. New students are assigned peer mentors who provide guidance, answer questions, and offer support. These mentors maintain regular communication with their mentees and play a vital role in helping newcomers navigate the competitive environment.

3. Stress Escape Room Workshop

To help students cope with the stress of semester examinations, the SAATHI Counselling Club partnered with MindPeers to conduct a Stress Escape Room workshop. This event equipped students with tools to manage stress and explore career options. Over 200 students participated actively, benefiting from valuable insights.

4. Mandatory Interaction with Institute Counsellors

A structured schedule has been prepared for first-year undergraduate students, ensuring they have the opportunity to interact with Institute counselors associated with the Center for Holistic Wellbeing. These interaction sessions are thoughtfully scheduled to avoid conflicts with academic timetables, encouraging students to familiarize themselves with available counseling services.

5. Proactive Response to Emergency Situations

The SAATHI Counselling Club has been proactive in addressing mental health issues and emergency situations. They have provided support to students facing panic attacks, stress, depression, and abnormal behavior. Some students have bravely reached out, sharing their struggles, while others have been identified by their hostel mates.

IIT Guwahati's SAATHI Counselling Club stands as a shining example of an institution deeply committed to student mental health and overall wellbeing. Their proactive initiatives, mandatory counseling, and peer support programs underscore the importance of nurturing a resilient mind to achieve academic excellence and comprehensive personal growth. With SAATHI, IIT Guwahati is not only shaping the future of engineers but also fostering compassionate individuals who are equipped to thrive in a challenging world.