Academic Performance Pressure Adding To Anxieties In Kashmir

by Ifra Reshi

SRINAGAR: In a fast-paced world, students across the world are facing the pressure of performing well in their academics but in the subcontinent and particularly in Kashmir the situation is even worse.

Nida Zehra, Mental Health Counsellor at Child Guidance and Wellbeing Centre IMHANS, Kashmir says that the situation in Kashmir is becoming “worse” day in and day. “Most of the cases I encounter are parent oriented in which parents aren’t aware of the capabilities of children and changes they are going through at the teenage stage.”

“Kids are losing confidence in themselves as school environment focuses on marks and syllabus only.”

She says there is a 6th standard girl student who isn’t able to express herself because of academic pressure which is troubling her mental health.

“She is an above-average student. When her marks percentage in exams decreases, she feels pressurised by the family who doesn’t understand enough.”

“Due to stress her performance is decreasing and her mental health is deteriorating. I am giving therapies to her family also and there is an improvement.”

According to a research survey by American College Health Association and National College Health Assessment, the majority of undergraduate students face stress and anxiety during academics which is a major factor in performance pressure.

“Six out of 10 students face anxiety due to academic performance pressure,” the research states.

Dr Wasim Kakroo, a psychologist says as per the Yerkes Dodson law it becomes difficult to make a parent understand during therapies about the stress situation among their kids.

As per the law, there is a bell-shaped relationship between stress, pressure, and performance. “The law states that low levels of stress lead to low performance, while moderate levels of stress can enhance performance, but too much stress can become counterproductive and decrease performance,” Dr Karoo adds.

Dr Kakroo says that a lack of time management skills and a narrow focus on academic achievement are impacting the mental health and overall well-being of children and young people in Kashmir.

“This has led to a rise in anxiety and panic attacks among students. The emphasis should shift from comparing oneself to others to focusing on personal development, self-care, and emotional resilience. The attitudes towards mental health and seeking help have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic, but more needs to be done to educate society about mental health and the importance of taking care of it,” the doctor said.

“Shifting courses or fields should be encouraged and normalised, and seeking help should not be considered a weakness. Early intervention is crucial in treating mental health issues and preventing further harm., he said, adding, “Life is not always fair, but with a positive outlook and mental fortitude, individuals can overcome any obstacles that come their way.”

Mahwish Bhat, a Master’s degree student says she always overthinks and has anxiety thinking about what the pattern of question paper would be in the exams.

“I underestimate my own hard work due to performance pressure. Many unrealistic expectations are imposed on me from all sides. The competition in class for doing better also adds to pressure on me.”

She says the importance of relaxation skills and unwavering support from family and teachers to cope with the stress that comes with academic pressure is very important.

Dua Bhat another student says that she feels she isn’t doing justice to the medical stream which was “forced” on her by her family.

“I was passionate about artwork and now not doing that is adding to my anxiety. There is a real need for a counsellor for students like me. But unfortunately, in schools, there are none. They (counsellor) may have helped me to maintain a balance between studies and my passion.”

She opines that the root cause of this performance pressure lies in the education system, which only focuses on delivering results and doesn’t offer guidance or support on how to achieve them.

Asifa Wani, a mother of two kids, echoes a similar sentiment and emphasised the need for parents to guide, support, and motivate their children during challenging periods.

“Parents keep high expectations from their kids for better performance but ultimately, pressure affects the mental well-being of children. Sometimes they are irritated, tired and exhausted due to this. They don’t take interest in things other than academics. They seem lethargic often because their minds are preoccupied with going to school, tuition and homework. It becomes really challenging for kids to study productively.”

“It is crucial to understand the sources of academic stress and manage performance pressure in a healthy and balanced manner. This can be achieved by setting realistic expectations, practising stress management techniques, and focusing on the learning process rather than just the outcome. Such practices will help students perform better, reduce stress, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.”

Nayeem Ahmad, a teacher said as an educator he emphasises the importance of creating a stress-free learning environment that encourages critical thinking and understanding rather than solely relying on rote learning and memorisation.

“The lack of parental involvement, particularly among students from low socio-economic backgrounds, only exacerbates the situation.”

Anisa Bhat, another teacher said that many of her students suffer from anxiety and panic attacks during exams, causing them to worry more about their grades than preparing for their tests. “This often leads to distorted thinking, causing students to feel inadequate and fear revealing their true abilities during exams.”

She says that parents can play a big role in shaping a student’s response to exam results.

“Warm and indulgent parents who avoid saying no to their children may also cause their offspring to lack self-control and follow rules. On the other hand, neglectful parents who are indifferent to their children’s needs may have experienced similar issues during their own upbringing.”