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Stress is primarily a physical reaction and is defined as a state characterized by symptoms of physical and mental tension or strain, such as depression or hypertension. This often occurs in response to situations in which a person feels threatened, under pressure, or both. Students in secondary and tertiary education settings face a wide range of ongoing normative stressors, which can be defined as normal day to day hassles such as ongoing academic demands. This study investigates the relationship between academic stress and mental health among senior secondary students in Uttarakhand State. During the present study, simple random sampling technique has been applied to draw the sample from population. The sample consisted of 200 students (100 boys & 100 girls) of Haridwar district of Uttarakhand state. 100 students were taken from the government school and 100 from non-government school. A quantitative approach was employed, utilizing standardized questionnaires to collect data from a sample of senior secondary students. The findings indicate a significant correlation between academic stress and various mental health indicators, suggesting a need for interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of academic pressure on students\' well-being.

Mental depression is one of the most serious public health concerns of the modern world, recognized not only as a medical condition but also as a social and psychological crisis. It is characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression, and it is a leading cause of disability, significantly affecting quality of life. While depression is prevalent across all sections of society, certain populations—such as college students and young adults—are particularly vulnerable due to academic stress, social pressures, and life transitions. The role of physical activity, especially organized sports, has been increasingly acknowledged as a protective factor against depression. Numerous studies indicate that athletes often exhibit lower depression levels compared to non-athletes, owing to the physiological benefits of exercise, the release of endorphins, the development of resilience, and enhanced social support systems within sports communities. However, competitive sports also carry pressures that can contribute to anxiety and, in some cases, depression. This paper presents a comparative study of mental depression among athletes and non-athletes, drawing upon data collected from the districts of Anantnag and Kulgam. Using standardized tools of psychological assessment, the research analyzes depression levels across these two groups and evaluates the role of athletic participation in mental health outcomes. Results indicate that athletes generally experience lower levels of depression than their non-athlete counterparts, supporting the hypothesis that sports and physical activity can buffer against depressive symptoms. The findings underscore the importance of integrating sports into educational and social frameworks as part of a holistic approach to mental health promotion.