Mains Marathon

Introduce it with data related to suicide in higher education. Discuss the factors contributing to suicides among students. Discuss the measures to curb suicide cases in India. Conclude suitably.

Answer:

According to recent data presented in Rajya Sabha by the Ministry of Education, there have been 33 reported cases of student suicides across the IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) since 2018.

Factors for rising suicide cases in higher education in India:

• Academic Pressure: The intense academic pressure to excel in examinations and maintain high grades is one of the primary factors contributing to student stress and anxiety.
  • According to a survey conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), 89% of students in India face some level of examination-related stress.
• Competitive Environment: The highly competitive environment in higher educational institutions adds to the stress levels among students.
  • As per a study published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, competition and fear of not meeting expectations were significant stressors reported by students.
• Lack of Mental Health Support: The stigma surrounding mental health issues and the lack of adequate mental health support services on campuses often discourage students from seeking help.
  • The NIMHANS survey highlighted that only 7% of the students who experienced stress sought professional help.
• Isolation and Loneliness: Many students, especially those coming from different regions, face feelings of isolation and loneliness due to the new environment and the absence of a support system.
  • A study conducted by the Indian Journal of Psychiatry found that loneliness was one of the prominent psychological problems reported by students.
• Financial Burden: Financial stress, especially for students from low-income backgrounds, can be a significant contributing factor to mental health issues and suicidal tendencies.
  • A survey conducted by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) revealed that 59% of students in Mumbai suffered from financial stress.

Measures to combat this alarming issue:

• Establishing Counseling and Mental Health Support Services: Higher educational institutions should set up dedicated counseling centers staffed with trained psychologists and counselors.
  • The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay's Student Wellness Center is an example of such an initiative providing mental health support to students.
• Promoting Mental Health Awareness and Education: Conducting mental health awareness campaigns and workshops can help destigmatize seeking help for mental health issues.
  • The Amrita Puri Campus of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham conducts mental health awareness programs to raise awareness among students.
• Strengthening Academic Support Services: Implementing academic support programs can alleviate the pressure on students and help them cope with academic challenges.
  • The Learning Resource Center at St. Stephen's College, Delhi, is an example of an academic support center offering tutoring services to students.
• Peer Support and Awareness Campaigns: Encourage peer support networks and organize awareness campaigns to reduce stigma surrounding mental health.
  • The "ChalChitra" initiative at Delhi University encourages students to share their experiences and struggles through short films, fostering a culture of openness and understanding.
• Holistic Curriculum and Stress Reduction: Revise academic curricula to include life skills, stress management, and emotional intelligence.
  • The "Happiness Curriculum" introduced in Delhi government schools emphasizes well-being, mindfulness, and values, aiming to create a conducive learning environment.
• Faculty Training and Involvement: Train faculty members to identify signs of distress in students and provide timely support.
  • The "NimHans' Health in Learning Programme" in Karnataka focuses on training teachers to recognize and address mental health issues in students.

To address the problem of suicide, there is a need to work on three C’s i.e., Connection¸ Collaboration and Choice (to seek help). The Government of India recently announced National Suicide Prevention Strategy 2023.The strategy broadly seeks to establish effective surveillance mechanisms for suicide within the next three years.