College life is often portrayed as a time of freedom, fun, and fresh beginnings. But for many young people, it is also a period of quiet turmoil.

Amidst assignments, social circles, and the pressure to “do well,” students often find themselves facing emotional struggles that they aren’t quite equipped to handle—or even talk about.

The Emotional Reality Behind the Campus Smiles

Every student carries their own story. For some, it’s the stress of living away from home. For others, it’s the weight of expectations—from family, faculty, or self. And for many, it’s the confusion of trying to figure out who they are in a world that demands certainty.

Common emotional challenges students face include:

• Anxiety – often masked as irritability or restlessness

• Depression – hiding beneath a smile or silence

• Low self-worth – driven by comparison and perfectionism

• Relationship issues – romantic, peer, or familial

• Academic pressure – fear of failure, or of not being “enough”

• Loneliness – even while surrounded by people

Maladaptive Coping: When the Escape Becomes a Trap

When emotional pain goes unaddressed, students often seek relief—any relief. Sometimes that relief comes in unhealthy forms:

• Binge drinking or casual substance use

• Vaping or smoking as “stress busters”

• Overeating or skipping meals

• Shutting down emotionally

• Engaging in risky relationships

• Withdrawing from friends and activities

What begins as a way to “cope” can quietly become a habit—one that brings more harm than healing.

Therapy: A Healthier Way to Cope and Grow

Therapy offers what no bottle, vape, or night out can: real understanding, healing, and tools to navigate life.

In a safe, private setting, therapy helps students:

• Make sense of their feelings

• Learn emotional regulation and resilience

• Develop healthier self-esteem and boundaries

• Find alternatives to self-destructive patterns

• Rebuild focus, motivation, and self-trust

It’s not about labelling or judging. It’s about supporting growth—from confusion to clarity, from coping to thriving.

When Should a Student Consider Therapy?

• Feeling persistently low, anxious, or overwhelmed

• Trouble concentrating or sleeping

• Using alcohol or smoking to “feel better”

• Frequent conflict in relationships

• A sense of numbness or emotional exhaustion

• Thoughts of giving up or feeling “stuck”

Early help can make a big difference—academically, socially, and emotionally.

A Quiet, Safe Space in Tambaram for Students Who Need Support

If you’re a student—or a parent who’s concerned about one—mental health care is now just a step away.

At Apollo Clinic, East Tambaram, I work with young adults facing emotional stress, low mood, relationship issues, and early substance use. Consultations are confidential, empathetic, and focused on long-term emotional strength—not just quick fixes.

🧠 Support for College Students – Confidential & Caring
Dr. Srinivas Rajkumar T, MD (AIIMS, New Delhi)
Psychiatrist | Therapy for Young Adults | Stress & Substance Use Support
📍 Apollo Clinic, 3, Bharathamadha Street, Opp. to MCC Campus, East Tambaram, Chennai – 600059
📞 Call/WhatsApp: 8595155808