Are mothers the missing link in children's mental health support?

India Today

11-05-2025

Over the past few years, children have faced a world of change-a global pandemic, growing mental health challenges, academic uncertainties, and shifts in the education landscape, from exam cancellations to changing opportunities abroad. Through it all, one constant source of strength and support has stood tall: OUR MOTHERS.On this Mother's Day, we have more than just appreciation to offer, we have a renewed understanding of the critical role mothers play that often goes unnoticed. For decades, mothers have been quietly fulfilling the role of emotional first responders, serving as the first line of defence against their children's stress, anxiety, and academic pressure. Put simply, mothers often serve as informal mental health gatekeepers.advertisementGanesh Kohli, Founder of the IC3 Movement, highlights the urgent need to recognise and empower mothers as mental health first responders. This Mother's Day, he calls for equipping them with the right tools to support children's emotional well-being.
Research shows that in low- and middle-income countries, up to 80% of mental health care for children is provided informally, often by mothers or female caregivers. This is especially true in communities with limited access to trained professionals (UNICEF Innocenti Research Brief, 2020).RECOGNISING MOTHERS AS MENTAL HEALTH FIRST RESPONDERSAs we mark Mental Health Awareness Week alongside Mother's Day, we must broaden our perspective. Mothers are not just caregivers, they are critical stakeholders in the mental well-being of their children.They are often the first to notice changes in sleep patterns, eating habits, or mood, well before teachers or counsellors can. According to the NIMHANS School Mental Health Report, 81% of Indian school students report academic stress, and mothers are typically the first to observe these early warning signs.But proximity alone isn't enough.advertisementTo truly support children, we must empower mothers with skills, language, and partnerships. Mental health support cannot be instinctive alone, it must be informed, intentional, and integrated into everyday life.GATEKEEPER TRAINING FOR MOTHERS
At IC3, our Student Suicide Aversion Task Force underscores the need to move from reactive to preventive strategies. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death amongst Indian youth, and while mothers are often the first to sense distress, they're rarely equipped to take the next step.Gatekeeper Training, similar to first aid, but for mental health, is one of the most impactful tools we can offer. Frameworks like QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) or SafeTALK empower individuals to recognise red flags and respond with empathy, not panic. For mothers, this means learning to listen actively, de-escalate tension, and seeking professional support at the right time.Imagine the power of a mother confidently responding to her child's whisper of "I feel overwhelmed" with understanding, guidance, and a clear path to help.Yet, the gap remains.According to research by IC3's Counselling Lab, only 36% of mothers can correctly identify signs of clinical depression or anxiety. Mental health literacy is not a luxury, it is a necessity.COLLABORATION, NOT ISOLATIONadvertisementMental health cannot be addressed in isolation. At the core of the IC3 Institute's counseling philosophy lies the Decision Circle, a collaborative model placing the student, parent, and school at the centre of all support. When mothers, educators, and counselors work together, the outcomes are stronger, earlier, and more sustainable.We urge schools to see mothers not just as participants, but as partners. Co-led counseling sessions, regular check-ins, and collaborative workshops can create an ecosystem where mothers feel heard and empowered, and children feel supported.This is especially critical for adolescent girls, who, as IC3 research shows, often hesitate to express emotional distress due to fear of judgment or misunderstanding.SAFE SPACES, SHARED RESPONSIBILITYSupporting mothers also means creating environments, at home and in schools, where vulnerability is not punished, but welcomed. When mothers model openness and emotional expression, children learn that it's okay to speak up, to feel, and to seek help.Schools can bolster this effort through peer support groups, creative outlets like art or theatre, and wellness programs that encourage emotional literacy. Emotional outlets are no longer optional-they are vital.advertisementBUILDING SYSTEMS THAT SUPPORTEquipping mothers must be a part of larger systemic change. IC3 advocates for national and school-level policies prioritizing student well-being as much as academic performance. This includes:Strengthening school counseling departmentsMandating teacher training on mental healthPartnering with expert organisations like SPIFCreating wellness helplines and anonymous student platformsEncouraging mother-led community wellness circlesThese strategies are scalable, cost-effective, and proven to make a difference.----Let this Mother's Day be a turning point. Let's move beyond flowers and thank-you notes to real, structural support. Let's recognise the silent labour mothers perform every day, observing, absorbing, supporting, and give them the tools to do so even better.Because when we support mothers, we support the frontlines of our children's emotional lives. And when mothers are empowered, children are not just protected - they are prepared, understood, and uplifted.Trending Reel