Bangalore : As India observes Mental Health Awareness Month, the focus on psychological well-being has never been more critical. In 2025 alone, an estimated 150 million Indians required mental health care, yet only 10–15% received adequate treatment. Mental health concerns among those aged 15–29 have also risen steadily over the past decade, with nearly 40% of teenagers reporting stress and anxiety. These developments underscore the ongoing need for accessible and effective mental health care. St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, highlights the role of medical education in preparing future physicians to address mental health challenges through training in psychiatry and patient-centered care.
SGU emphasizes an approach to psychiatry education that encourages students to engage with patients thoughtfully and respectfully, recognizing the importance of understanding individual experiences. “Psychiatry reminds us that medicine is not only about treating disease, but about understanding people,” said Dr. Elizabeth Ryznar, Associate Chair of Psychiatry (US) and Professor of Medicine at SGU.
“The most important humanistic lesson I impart to my students is that we are all humans, all worthy of the same dignity. Unfortunately, we still encounter stigma against psychiatric patients within the healthcare system and our broader society, and we need to remember that every person is doing the best they can. The empathy and communication skills you can practice in your psychiatric rotation will make a big difference in whatever area of medicine you choose to practice in,” she continued.
For Indian students who would like to pursue psychiatry, SGU outlines several potential areas of focus, including:
specific patient populations, such as those defined by diagnosis, cultural background, or forensic considerations
particular treatment approaches, including psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, or interventional psychiatry
diverse care settings, such as inpatient, outpatient, residential programs, partial hospitalization programs, or emergency departments
In addition to academic training, SGU incorporates student well-being considerations into its programs. These include maintaining structured schedules to balance life and rest, cultivating strong support systems with peers and mentor networks, engaging in hobbies outside of academics or work to relieve stress, and recognizing when to step back and seek support.
Through its MD programs, SGU aims to prepare medical graduates with both clinical competencies and an awareness of patient-centered care principles. In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, SGU remains dedicated to training doctors who are prepared to meet evolving mental health needs with both skill and deep-seated empathy.