Suicidal tendencies among students are a growing concern, influenced by various factors such as academic pressure, societal expectations, and psychological challenges. Understanding these causes and implementing effective interventions are crucial to addressing this issue.
There are many factors, which contribute to this growing tendencies among the young generation.
- Academic Pressure - The intense competition for high grades and entrance examinations, along with associated peer pressure, creates overwhelming stress.
- Societal Expectations - The relentless pursuit of perfection and societal expectations can create a sense of hopelessness among students. Some parents also put unnecessary pressure on their kids for better marks to show-off among their relatives and friends.
- Mental Health Issues - Mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder can contribute to student suicides.
- Isolation and Loneliness - Many students in educational hubs come from far away and live away from their families and friends, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
- Financial Issues - Financial difficulties, such as not being able to afford tuition fees or living expenses, can create a great deal of stress and worry for students.
- Social Media Influence - The addictive nature of social media platforms contributes to feelings of inadequacy, depression, and suicidal ideation among teens.
- Love – Affair – Sometime, failure in love also gives rise to the suicidal thoughts among students.
- In September 2024, a student at Maulana Azad Medical College in Delhi, a NEET topper, was found dead in his room.
- In the same month, a postgraduate student from the IIM, Ahmedabad was found hanging, allegedly due to stress.
- Just a few days back, a 3rd year student of B. Tech at IIT, Patna jumped from the 4th floor of his hostel room, because of academic pressure.
- Kota in Rajasthan has witnessed many suicidal cases in recent past.
So, what can we do to prevent it? Let’s discuss a few Measures and Counselling Strategies.
- Enhancing Support Systems - Educational institutions, especially teachers and parents play a critical role in the mental health of students. Teachers need to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for students, where they can feel comfortable discussing their issues and challenges, if any.
- Mental Health Education - Integrating mental health awareness into the educational framework can help students recognize and address their issues. Adding NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) methods and therapies will surely add value in understanding the cause and remedy for such suicidal tendencies.
- Accessible Counselling Services - Providing students with access to mental health services and resources such as counselling services, support groups, NLP experts, and psychiatric services can help prevent suicides.
- Parental Involvement - Open communication and listening to their children and their emotions is vital. Emotional support and validation, encouraging mental health discussions, creating healthy coping mechanisms by adults, and seeking professional help when needed are crucial steps parents can take.
5.?Policy Implementation - Execution?of?policies?facilitating?mental?wellness,?like?the National Suicide Prevention Strategy,?with?an?aim?to?bring?down?suicide mortality by 10% by?the year?2030, is?imperative.
The?problem?of student suicides?needs?to?be?addressed?in?a?holistic?manner?involving the?educational institutions,?the?families, and?the?policymakers. Through?open?dialogue,?we can?build?a?supportive?environment where?the?students feel?cared?for, respected and free to share their concerns or issues.