What are the hidden factors behind the surge in student suicides in India?

The rising number of student suicides across India has reached alarming levels, with nearly 50 percent of cases concentrated in just five states. This crisis highlights the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support and systemic reforms in the educational framework.

The surge in student suicides across India has reached a critical level, with Maharashtra leading at 1,764 cases, followed by Tamil Nadu (1,416), Madhya Pradesh (1,340), Uttar Pradesh (1,060), and Jharkhand (824). These five states account for nearly 50 percent of all student suicides. Over the past decade, the number of student suicides has more than doubled from 6,654 to 13,044, despite a slight decrease in the population of 0-24-year-olds.

Additionally, the National Medical Commission reports that 122 medical students have died by suicide in the past five years, with 1,270 dropping out, highlighting severe systemic issues within the educational framework.

ACADEMIC PRESSURE AND SCOIO-ECONOMIC INEQUALITY

The root causes of this crisis are complex and multifaceted. The relentless pressure to excel academically remains a significant factor, with students often pushed to achieve high marks in a fiercely competitive environment. But the pressures do not stop there—social and economic inequalities, coupled with intense parental expectations and the high cost of education, further exacerbate the situation.

Unemployment, corruption in the education system, and widespread issues like exam paper leaks contribute to a sense of disillusionment and despair amongst students.

The situation is especially grave in Kota, Rajasthan, often referred to as the coaching capital of India.

Despite Kota's reputation for producing top performers in competitive exams, the city has witnessed a surge in student suicides, with 26 cases recorded in 2023 alone—the highest ever.

This alarming figure highlights the immense psychological burden placed on students in these hyper-competitive environments, where the pressure to succeed can become unbearable.

The rise in student suicides in India highlights the urgent need for mental health and education reforms. Dr. Sabine Kapasi and Nipun Vaid Mehta of Enira Consulting lead strategic efforts to address this crisis.

NEED FOR SYSTEMATIC REFORMS IN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Addressing this crisis requires more than just awareness campaigns; it calls for innovative, global solutions that can be adapted to the Indian context. One such solution lies in the quantification of mental health, treating it with the same importance as physical health.

Schools and universities should implement regular mental health assessments alongside academic evaluations, integrating mental health into the core of the educational experience.

Technology can also play a crucial role in this effort. Worldwide, tech-driven mental health tools are making a significant impact. Gamified mental health platforms, which engage students through apps and online programs, could provide an interactive and destigmatised way for students to address issues like stress, anxiety, and depression.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) tools, presented in a fun and engaging format, could be integrated into daily school activities, ensuring that mental health becomes an everyday priority rather than an afterthought.

India's public healthcare system must also be reformed to include comprehensive mental health services accessible to all students. Currently, the government spends only 0.06 percent of its total health budget on mental health, with a very limited number of mental health services and beds. This shortage exacerbates the crisis and further contributes to the increasing number of student suicides.

LEARNING FROM GLOBAL MODELS AND POLICIES

While the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 is a positive move, stronger policies are needed to mainstream mental health care. International models, such as the UK's integration of mental health into national healthcare delivery, offer useful insights into India.

The National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) and initiatives like Manodarpan, part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, are already working to provide psychological support to students, but these efforts need to be significantly scaled up.

Globally, several countries have implemented successful initiatives to combat student suicides. The Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act in the USA, for instance, provides funding for youth suicide prevention programs, including training for teachers and community leaders to recognise and respond to signs of mental distress.

Incorporating mental health into the school curriculum is essential to address the crisis of student suicides.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 provides a framework for this, but greater emphasis on socio-emotional learning, mindfulness practices, and psychological fortitude could be impactful. Schools should create environments where students are encouraged to express their emotions, learn coping skills, and access counselling easily.

Virtual counselling platforms offer another promising solution, providing students with access to professional support 24/7. These platforms could utilise artificial intelligence to track emotional well-being, offering personalised guidance and crisis intervention.

India's student suicide crisis is not just a statistic—it is a call to action. By integrating mental health into public healthcare, leveraging technology to support emotional well-being, and making psychological resilience a core part of education, we can help our youth navigate the challenges of modern life. The stakes are too high to ignore—our future depends on it.