Student Mental Health · Surat, Gujarat
Exam Stress & Student Counselling Surat
Dr. Heena Khanna (MBBS, MD Psychiatry) is a consultant psychiatrist in Surat who helps students manage exam stress, board-exam anxiety, and academic burnout at Mahavir Health Campus, Ring Rd, Athwa Gate.
Exam pressure is real. A quiet space to talk can make a bigger difference than another hour of studying.
When study stress needs support
Recognising when to reach out.
Stress before exams is normal. But sometimes it becomes something more — and that deserves proper attention, not just more revision.
Exam anxiety and blanking out
Knowing the material but freezing during revision or in the exam hall. Racing thoughts, physical tension, sudden loss of recall.
Board exam / competitive entrance pressure
The weight of high-stakes exams — JEE, NEET, board exams — can feel overwhelming. Disproportionate fear of failure that makes it hard to study at all.
School refusal and avoidance
Persistent reluctance or inability to go to school or college — sometimes showing up as physical complaints like stomach aches or headaches before exam days.
Academic burnout and loss of motivation
A student who used to care but has stopped engaging. Exhaustion, detachment, or a feeling that nothing matters — even after rest.
How Dr. Heena helps students
A calm, practical path forward.
First conversation
A space to talk openly — no judgment, no pressure. Dr. Heena listens to what the student (and parent) is experiencing before anything else.
Understanding the pattern
Together, you explore what's actually driving the stress — whether it's anxiety, perfectionism, sleep disruption, family pressure, or something else entirely.
Practical strategies
Tools the student can use alongside studying — not instead of it. Techniques that work in real exam conditions, not just in theory.
For parents
When you're worried about your child.
Parents often sense something is wrong before a student can put it into words. You don't need certainty to reach out.
Signs to watch for
Significant sleep changes, withdrawing from friends or activities, physical complaints before school or exams, irritability or tearfulness that feels out of proportion, or a sudden drop in academic engagement.
How to start the conversation with your child
Lead with curiosity rather than concern. "You seem like you're carrying a lot right now — do you want to talk?" often works better than direct questions about exams or results. Avoid comparing or minimising.
When professional support makes sense
If the stress has lasted more than a few weeks, is affecting sleep or daily life, or your child seems unable to manage despite your support — a professional conversation is a sensible next step, not a last resort.
Also on this site
Other pages that may help.
Psychiatrist in Surat
Overview of Dr. Heena Khanna's practice — what to expect, how to book, and how she works.
Learn more →Anxiety Treatment Surat
Generalised anxiety, social anxiety, panic, OCD — evidence-based treatment in Surat.
Learn more →Depression Treatment Surat
If low mood or withdrawal is part of the picture, this page covers depression care in Surat.
Learn more →Common questions
Questions students and parents ask.
Is exam stress serious enough to see a psychiatrist?
Many students push through exam pressure alone, and most do fine. But when anxiety is disrupting sleep, causing panic during revision or exams, or making it hard to concentrate, speaking to a specialist can help identify what's happening and give you practical tools quickly. Dr. Heena Khanna offers a confidential, non-judgmental space — no referral needed.
Meri beti ko board exams ki bahut tension hoti hai — kya yeh normal hai?
Kuch had tak tension hona normal hai, lekin agar aapki beti raat ko so nahi pa rahi, exam se pehle ro rahi hai, ya padhai chhod rahi hai, toh yeh psychiatrist se ek baar milna theek rahega. Dr. Heena Khanna Surat mein confidential taur par students aur unke parents se milti hain.
What's the difference between normal exam nerves and an anxiety disorder?
Exam nerves are common and often helpful — they sharpen focus. An anxiety disorder is different: persistent, disproportionate worry that interferes with sleep, concentration, or daily functioning well before the exam. If the anxiety feels out of control or is significantly affecting your child's life, a professional assessment is worth having.
Will Dr. Heena prescribe medication for exam stress?
Not necessarily. Many students benefit from practical coping strategies and a few sessions of structured support without any medication. Medication is only considered when anxiety is severe and after a full clinical assessment. Dr. Heena will explain all options and involve students and parents in any decision.
Can I bring my child to see Dr. Heena, or does my child need to come alone?
Either works. Dr. Heena is happy to meet with parents first to understand the situation, with the student alone, or with both together — whatever feels most comfortable. Confidentiality of what the student shares is always respected.
Is online consultation available for students?
Yes. Dr. Heena offers secure video consultations, which can be convenient for students with busy schedules or who prefer to talk from home. In-person sessions are available at Mahavir Health Campus, Ring Rd, Athwa Gate, Surat.
How soon can my child get an appointment?
Contact Dr. Heena directly on WhatsApp (+91 97730 32340) to check availability.
Not sure if it's stress or anxiety?
Take a free self-assessment.
A short check-in helps you understand what your child — or you — may be experiencing.