Happy World Mental Health Day!

Lately our country has been witnessing an alarming rise in student suicides. As per the NCRB data, the incidence of student suicides continues to surpass both population growth rates and overall suicide trends. Over the last decade, while the population of 0-24-year-olds reduced from 582 million to 581 million, the number of student suicides nearly doubled from 6,654 to 13,044.

National Law University (NLU) Delhi, one of the country’s premier law institutions, has witnessed three suicides in the past three months alone. A 24 years old student from IIM-Ahmedabad committed suicide in his hostel last month. At least 115 students of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) died by suicide since 2005 as per the RTI query filed by Dheeraj Singh, an IIT Kanpur alumnus. Reportedly, 2.9%–5.4%?of Indian medical students have attempted suicide during their lifetime. These numbers indicate an elevated prevalence of suicide/ suicide attempts in India as compared to other nations.

Getting through a premier institute in India is a struggle and students who get through the entrance exams surely have a high Intelligence Quotient (IQ) level. Years/months of preparation, sleepless nights, and sacrifices, go into cracking those highly competitive entrance tests. And yet, a few of these students choose to? end their lives during their course, putting all their hard-work down the drain. One can only imagine the trauma that a student that committed suicide might have gone through. Although those who got through premier institutions, had a great IQ, it didn’t help them distinguish between the right and wrong. Maybe if the parents and institutions of these students had given some attention to building their Emotional Quotient (EQ), they would be able to handle their emotions much better rather than taking such a drastic step. Most students studying in premier institutes, live in campus hostels away from their families. And so, they? lack the immediate support of their families that they've always had. Besides, the environment too is new to them. Some find the pressure overwhelming, and some quit due to fear of failure. Some may not even realise that they are going through depression and need to ask for help.

In our country, students are pressurised to score high grades. Some students are forced by their parents to take up educational streams that might not be of interest to them. Some parents punish their kids, even resorting to beating them up, if they are weak in studies. This reminds me of the famous quote, “Everybody is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” Some students who are weak in studies, may be good in sports, art, music, or any other creative field. What if Sachin Tendulkar’s parents forced him to study and get good grades instead of following his passion for Cricket? India would have lost the Master Blaster!

In most Western countries, children don’t go through the pressure that kids here in India go through. Western education is more practical and research-based and encourages the creativity of students. Students there are encouraged to communicate freely without any fear. On the other hand, the education system in India is moreover theoretical and is focussed on memorising stuff. Most students don’t even absorb what they’re learning. Practical learning in most Indian schools is only restricted to the Chemistry Lab and Physical Training class. And most students in school are scared of their teachers. India does have a few institutions that cater to creative and athletic fields, however that’s primarily at the 12+ level.

Children that are allowed to follow their passion, are not only happy, but are also more successful in life. After all, it’s not always about high pay cheques. Nothing in this world comes before one’s mental peace and happiness. So today, on this Mental Health Day I urge institutions to ?provide the support that students need to make them emotionally and mentally strong. To provide students with Counselling options and conduct regular Stress Management sessions. I urge parents to support their kids and let them follow their passion and not pressurise them. And lastly, I urge my dear students, to resort to help and talk to someone whenever you feel low or the thought of taking that drastic step ever enters your mind. Eat healthy and exercise, as ‘a healthy mind resides in a healthy body.’

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Happy World Mental Health Day!

Jacqueline Vales

Behavioural Skills Trainer

Stress Management Trainer

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