Mental Health, Substance Use and the Choices Students Make: DGU Hosts Campus Conversation with CII-Young Indians

Conversations around mental health become particularly important during the university years, a phase shaped by academic expectations, changing relationships, career uncertainty and increasing independence in personal decision-making. Bringing this conversation into the campus space, DBS Global University (DGU) organised a session on Mental Health and Substance Abuse in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Young Indians (Yi).

The session was conducted by Dr. Divya Ghai Chopra, Consultant Psychiatrist, Mind Heal and Mind Heal Plus Clinic, and focused on helping students understand the connection between mental well-being, stress, coping behaviour and substance use. Rather than treating mental health as an isolated issue, the discussion explored situations students may encounter in everyday university life-including academic pressure, emotional stress, peer influence, unhealthy coping patterns and hesitation in seeking help.

Dr. Chopra spoke about recognising changes in behaviour and emotional well-being at an early stage, developing healthier coping responses and understanding when professional intervention may be required. The discussion on substance abuse also encouraged students to look beyond immediate choices and consider their longer-term impact on mental health, relationships and overall well-being.

The interactive format gave students an opportunity to engage directly with a mental-health professional and approach subjects that are often difficult to discuss openly.The session forms part of DGU's broader focus on creating a student experience that combines academic and professional development with well-being, awareness and responsible decision-making. By bringing practitioners and external organisations into campus conversations, the University continues to create opportunities for students to engage with issues that influence life both within and beyond the classroom.

The collaboration with CII and Young Indians added a wider community perspective to the initiative, reinforcing the importance of informed conversations around mental health and substance-use awareness among young adults. At DGU, student development is viewed not only in terms of academic outcomes and career preparedness, but also through the ability to make informed choices, seek support when required and navigate university life with greater self-awareness.