GROWING CASES OF SUICIDE AMONG STUDENTS: A MENTAL HEALTH CONCERN

September marks National Suicide Prevention Month, a vital initiative aimed at raising awareness about the profound effects of suicide and advocating for stronger mental health support.

- RANA NAVNEET ROY & PRASHANT KUMAR

In India, the alarming rise in student suicides has become a matter of national concern, underscoring the urgent need for immediate intervention and comprehensive strategies to safeguard the mental well-being of our youth. The report titled “Student Suicides: An Epidemic Sweeping India” by the IC3 Institute reveals that student suicides are increasing at an alarming rate of 4% annually, which is double the rate of overall suicides in the country. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 13,044 student suicides were reported in 2022, accounting for 7.6% of all suicides in India—equating to one student suicide approximately every 40 minutes. Over the past decade, male student suicides have surged by 99% and female suicides by 92%, with states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh being the most affected, collectively accounting for nearly one-third of the cases.

Despite these alarming figures, there is still a significant gap in research when it comes to understanding the unique pressures faced by students. These pressures range from academic stress and overwhelming parental expectations to financial burdens and social stigma. Existing data underscores the urgent need for a systematic approach to address these factors, yet critical questions remain unanswered: Why are more students resorting to such drastic measures? What systemic failures are perpetuating this crisis? And, most importantly, what steps can be taken to prevent this trend from continuing?