WHO has reported that suicide is the third most common cause of death in India among 15–29 year olds. WHO also reports that USD 1.03 trillion is the estimated economic loss due to mental health conditions, between 2012-2030. National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) estimates that 6-7% of the population in India is dealing with mental health disorders. More than 90% of which go untreated. Over 700 000 people die due to suicide every year. As per the National Mental Health Survey 2015-16, almost 15% of Indian adults require treatment for their mental health. The same survey also found that 1 among 20 individuals are depressed and 1 out of 40 individuals have dealt with depression in the past. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) suggests that the suicide rate in India went up from 9.9% to 11.3% across India between 2017-2020.
Mental Health – a conversation recently begun, witnesses a tragic conclusion every time we hear “just focus on your studies,” “go watch a movie,” “spend time with family,” “get married you will be fine”, and more. Our mind is, easily, the most complex part of our body. One must understand that most times we are the host to mental health disorders because of our environment, biological factors (genes), surroundings, childhood trauma, prenatal health, misuse/abuse of drugs, social life, etc. However, it is not uncommon at all to bear the brunt of mental health issues for no reason at all. One can never pinpoint what could be a trigger.
Although the matter is the size of a mammoth, we often dismiss it until we see physical evidence. Most times the wait leads to loss.
As we evolve to become more sensitive towards people, we notice that a lot of young adults are taking up psychology as a career choice, which is a win. So, this article is for those that wish to build a happy and content world. It may take a long time but it is not impossible.
As a graduate in psychology, you can have jobs in the public, private or government sector in a variety of roles such as:
- Counselor/Psychologist (a professional that takes a therapeutic approach towards mental health disorders and symptoms)
- Psychiatrist (a professional that can prescribe medicines for mental health disorders and symptoms)
- Social Worker (working with non-profit organizations)
- Advisor
- Career Adviser
- Teacher/Professor
- Life coach
- Human Resource Manager
- Mediator
- Market Researcher
- Neuroscientist
- Border Force Officer
- Dance Movement Psychotherapist
- Play Therapist
- Social Researcher
The top employers of psychology graduates are:
- Childcare Centers
- Hospitals
- Career Counseling Centers
- Marketing Companies
- Corporate Sector
- Financial Organizations
- Media
- Health
- Education
- Retail
- Customer Service
- Legal firms
- NGOs
Which one of these professions would you like to be a part of?
Take a look at the education you may require to follow through with your dreams!
11th and 12th in Psychology:
If you are a student that wants to pursue a career in psychology then you can opt for science, commerce, or humanities as a stream in 11th and 12th grade admissions. Psychology, as a degree subject, does not require one to specifically come from a background in psychology. However, it is advised that one takes up humanities with psychology as a subject to have a better and in depth understanding as an undergraduate student. Once you finish your two-year pre university and wrap up with boards, you would have understood the relevance of psychology, its need in society, along with basics of human behavior, experiences, and mental processes of human beings within a socio-cultural historical context. You will be partaking in various experiments like the Rorschach’s Inkblot test, Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), emotional quotient tests, personality tests, etc. This will help you understand how to administer a test and give you an insight into your own personality, through introspection.
Undergraduate degrees:
Psychology has vast scope not only from the career but also from the education perspective. While some jobs in psychology may require you to have multiple and specific degrees others can suffice with only a bachelors. If you wish to carry on with your education in Psychology as your primary focus you may take up a Bachelor in Arts/Honours/Bachelor in Science. Through your undergraduate degree in psychology, you will learn that 80% of psychology lies in biology, you will administer tests on fellow batchmates and be a part of experiments that will teach you how to come to conclusions on various aspects of the human mind and body. You will also learn about the social, abnormal, cognitive, personality and developmental aspects of psychology in humans. In fact, students now also opt for triple majors where they can take 2 other core subjects along with psychology. For example: English, Mass communication and Psychology. Your horizons are broadened, you have more opportunities and in no way does it interfere with the decisions an employer may make in future. A win-win for all.
Postgraduate degrees:
If you wish to study further you may want to do your master’s in psychology, an MSc or MA. There is not much of a difference in the courses apart from the fact that MSc focuses more on cognitive and research areas whereas MA approaches the subject as a social science. The field is such that a BA student can do an MSc and a BSc student can take up an MA. Both courses are competitive and can lead to a career in multiple spaces such as marriage and family therapy, school counselor, rehabilitation counselor, human resources manager and more. One can choose electives among a myriad of options: industrial psychology, education psychology, clinical psychology, child psychology, forensic psychology, abnormal psychology, criminal psychology, and more based on where their interest lies and what they want to pursue in their career. Every industry in the current time is looking out for people that can stabilize and help their employees/students. Schools and colleges now require multiple counselors to manage and help students deliver to their full potential and also guide them in life. While the corporate sector is taking a second check on their employee’s mental health. Special schools are slowly coming to a rise in every state and require help from counselors and therapists to build a safe space around students.
Doctorate-level degrees:
PhD in Psychology which is a doctoral-level degree includes both theoretical and applied training. There are also a wide variety of specialty areas to choose from. Depending on your future choices, your PhD will differ. If you want to work in psychotherapy or start your own private practice you may want to earn a Ph.D in clinical/counseling psychology. If you want to work in teaching, research, or an applied area you may want to earn a Ph.D. in a specialty like social, developmental, industrial-organizational, or experimental psychology.
All of these fields and jobs require skilled professionals that can better the life of others. If you are a student that wishes to work towards the well-being of others and create a world that is safe, beyond trauma and pain then you must take up psychology as a career. We need individuals that can make the world a better and inclusive place for everyone to live in.
New Horizon Public School – the best ICSE school in Bangalore and one among the top 10 ICSE schools in Bangalore is the perfect space for children to explore, learn and unlearn to the best of their ability. Students at NHPS – the best ICSE school in Bangalore among the list of ICSE schools in Bangalore allows students to prepare for their future with no hesitations and gives them the space to grow as individuals.
