Targeted efforts, sensitisation drives needed to curb rising student suicides

Targeted efforts, sensitisation drives needed to curb rising student suicides 

In developed states where per capita income is more, higher aspirations often lead to increased pressure 

Priyadarshini.Gupta@timesofindia.com 14.10.2024

Despite several government initiatives such as Manodarpan, Tele Mental Health Assurance and Networking Across States (Tele MANAS) helpline, School Health and Wellness Programme, and other initiatives to address mental health challenges, student suicides continue to rise in India. According to a recent report from the Annual IC3 Conference and Expo 2024, India is witnessing an alarming rise in student suicides. A report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reveals that the student suicide rate in India has surpassed both the population growth rate and overall suicide trends. Over the past two decades, student suicides have grown at an alarming annual rate of 4%, double the national average. 

In 2022, male students accounted for 53% of total student suicides. Between 2021 and 2022, male student suicides decreased by 6%, while female student suicides increased by 7%, noted the report. Poor mental health As per the report, Maharashtra leads with the highest student suicide rate at 1,764, followed by Tamil Nadu (1,416), Madhya Pradesh (1,340), Uttar Pradesh (1,060), and Jharkhand (824). These five states are collectively making up 49% of all student suicides in the country. The statistics indicate that one in seven youngters between the ages of 15 and 24 in India faces poor mental health.

 Ramya Modukuri, director, Future Pathways for ISP Group of Schools, Hyderabad, says, “Rising student suicides are driven by academic stress, competitive exams, and narrow definitions of success. This is aggravated by limited career awareness among students, which heightens anxiety about the future. Social media and selfesteem problems through constant comparison and online  trolling; nuclear families, lack of emotional support, and loneliness are the other major issues that impact a child’s mind. The stigma around mental health prevents many students from seeking help, causing them to suffer in isolation.” 

She says, “Certain states, like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, may report higher student suicide rates due to bet ter reporting mechanisms and potentially less stigma in urban areas. National initiatives are steps in the right direction, but more targeted local efforts are needed.” Outlining Maharashtra government’s comprehensive efforts to address child welfare concerns through the Saksham Balak Abhiyan (SBA), Prashant Narnaware, commissioner, Maharashtra Women and Child Development, says, “The initiative focuses on addressing the multiple pressures faced by children, including academic stress, parental expectations, and the growing issues of addiction — not just substance abuse but also online addiction. The programme, designed in collaboration with the child welfare commission, has been taken to schools and other platforms to directly engage children, parents, and teachers.” Dr V Senthil Kumar Reddi, professor, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, says, “Students, particularly those aged 15 to 29, are among the most vulnerable groups when it comes to suicide. In economically developed states like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu where the per capita income is more, higher aspirations often lead to increased pressure, which accelerates feelings of hopelessness.

Also, despite being connected digitally, many students experience a sense of isolation.” Dr Reddi says, “The effectiveness of government policies often hinges on their implementation at the ground level. States such as Maharashtra, TN, and UP have initiated targeted interventions and training drives to address suicide prevention, but the success of these measures may vary. There may also be gaps in the implementation of these policies.” Underscoring the need for robust support systems, he says, “Programmes such as gatekeeper training should be encouraged. It is designed to equip individuals with skills to recognise and support those at risk of suicide. These programmes aim to identify signs and provide initial support before professional help is accessed. Creating safe, non-judgmental spaces for students to express their feelings and seek help is also crucial. The affected ones, most of the times, just want to be heard out.” 

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