Alarming Rise in Student Suicides: The Urgent Need for Mental Health Support in India
Alarming Rise in Student Suicides The Urgent
Suicide is a serious reflection of the social, economic, and mental health issues within society. In India, the rising cases of student suicides due to exam stress and failure point to deeper problems within the educational system. Across Asia, where academic success is highly valued, students are more prone to extreme measures when faced with failure. For example, 12.9% of all suicides in Korea and 5% in Iran are linked to exam stress. In Bangladesh, 25% of students attempted suicide before their university entrance exams. However, in Sri Lanka, a study found no direct link between exams and suicides.
India witnessed 1,70,924 suicides in 2022, with 7.6% of them by students. Out of these, 2,248 deaths were directly attributed to exam failure. These figures underscore a grave national issue, highlighting the tremendous academic pressure students endure.
Addressing the Mental Health Crisis Among Students
The reasons behind student suicides are multi-faceted. Exam failure is a significant factor, but other major contributors include relationship failure and students entering relationships early and being unable to handle the emotional fallout. Failed relationships, coupled with academic stress, often create unbearable pressure on young minds.
Factors like low self-esteem, unrealistic expectations, impulsivity, trauma, and learning disabilities also play a significant role. Dysfunctional families, overly ambitious parents, and constant comparisons with peers contribute to feelings of isolation and hopelessness. Social and media pressure further compounds the problem, with students feeling ashamed of failure.
The competition to gain admission into prestigious colleges, coupled with the increasing focus on academic results, takes a heavy toll on students’ mental health. While provisions like supplementary exams have helped, the emotional burden and societal expectations remain unchanged. In 2023, over 127,000 students appeared for the supplementary exam, with 40% passing, which helped many avoid extreme measures. Yet, the system’s inherent pressures remain unresolved.
Coaching hubs like Kota, Rajasthan, known for preparing students for competitive exams, have become hotspots for student suicides. In 2023 alone, 29 suicides were reported in Kota, a stark reminder of the immense pressure students face in these environments.
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Kundan Singh Rajput on Tackling the Root Cause
Kundan Singh Rajput, a seasoned career counselor and founder of The Student Chapters and MyTAGAPP.COM (both under Shiksha Vriksha 360 Eduserves Pvt Ltd), emphasizes that the nation is “running away from its roots” when it comes to addressing student suicides. According to Rajput, “We must resolve these issues at the root cause if we genuinely want to make progress.”
Rajput believes that much of the problem stems from the rigid educational structure, parental pressures, and societal expectations. His ventures, funded and recognized by Startup Bihar, are dedicated to addressing these deep-rooted issues through mental health workshops, career counseling, and behavior management programs for students. His approach focuses on creating an environment where students can openly discuss their challenges and receive the support they need to cope with academic, emotional, and social pressures.
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The Importance of Mental Health Workshops and Career Counseling
The mental health of students has become an urgent national concern, with cases of depression, anxiety, and suicide on the rise. The need for mental health workshops, relationship counseling, and career guidance is more critical than ever. Many students suffer silently, unaware of the support systems available to them.
Recognizing this crisis, the Indian government launched the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS) in November 2022. One of the strategy’s key actions is reducing exam-related stress by offering multiple opportunities for students to retake exams and restructuring the evaluation system. The New Education Policy (NEP) also seeks to reform the educational structure, promoting a more holistic and inclusive approach that fosters emotional and mental well-being alongside academic success.
How The Student Chapters and MyTAGAPP Are Supporting Students
In response to the growing mental health crisis, The Student Chapters and MyTAGAPP.COM, both under Shiksha Vriksha 360 Eduserves Pvt Ltd, offer a comprehensive support system for students and their families. Through mental health workshops, relationship counseling, career counseling, and behavioral guidance, they are working to alleviate the pressures faced by students today.
Kundan Singh Rajput and his team of experts regularly conduct workshops in schools and colleges, providing students with the tools they need to manage stress, navigate emotional challenges, and build self-confidence. These sessions also focus on career counseling, helping students make informed decisions about their academic and professional paths. By offering a holistic approach, Rajput aims to not only prevent student suicides but also foster environments where students feel supported both mentally and emotionally.
For schools, colleges, or institutions looking to organize mental health workshops or career counseling sessions, please contact us at support@mytagapp.com or thestudentchapters@gmail.com. We are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of students and ensuring that they receive the support they need to succeed academically and emotionally.
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