In recent years, India has witnessed an alarming rise in suicide rates, particularly among its youth. Students striving to crack prestigious exams like UPSC, NEET, JEE, and CAT along with employees in high-pressure corporate environments grappling with overwhelming work demands, are all part of a growing tragedy.
The tragic loss of a young corporate employee to suicide, followed by a final-year medical student taking their own life, is not an isolated event. Heartbreaking stories like these have sadly become more frequent, highlighting the urgent need to address the mental health challenges faced by today’s youth. This issue deserves immediate and mandatory attention.
The Tragic Reality of Student Suicide Rates in India
Youth suicide rates in India are increasing at an alarming rate. In fact, India has one of the highest rates of youth suicide in the world. Among Indian men aged 15-29, the suicide rate is double the global average (25.5 compared to 13.1 per 100,000 people). For young Indian women, the rate is nearly six times higher than the global average (24.9 compared to 4.1 per 100,000). This cannot be ignored any further.
When discussing student suicide rates, it’s essential to address Kota, India’s coaching hub, known for producing several success stories but also for the tragic loss of many young lives. Students who arrive with dreams of clearing competitive exams like NEET and JEE often face overwhelming pressure. Sadly, without adequate professional mental and emotional support, some students experience a much darker outcome. The intense pressure to perform, coupled with the isolation of being far from family and friends, has contributed to a deeply concerning rise in student suicides in Kota.
According to data, 15 students died by suicide in Kota in 2022, 18 in 2019, 20 in 2018, 7 in 2017, 17 in 2016, and 18 in 2015. These students often come from middle-class families that have invested heavily in their success, both financially and emotionally. Many break under the constant scrutiny of mock exams, societal expectations, and the fear of failure. The atmosphere in Kota, despite its academic promise, often lacks emotional support and healthy coping mechanisms for these young minds.
Work Pressure Needs to Be Dialed Down
A young professional employed by one of the Big Four companies recently took their own life, making headlines and sparking important discussions about the intense work culture in multinational corporations. While these organizations are prestigious, they are also known for their high-stress environments, long hours, and demanding workloads. Young employees often struggle to succeed, maintain a work-life balance, and meet the increasing expectations of the corporate world simultaneously. Given these pressures, it can feel nearly impossible to manage.
Perhaps, India’s corporate landscape is not as healthy as we would expect it to be. Work life balance is a concept that many companies preach but do not practice. Employees are frequently expected to be “on it”, erasing all the boundaries between personal and professional life. In fact, employees who stick around after work hours and burn themselves out due to work are glorified, and even rewarded.
This is a dangerous place for many, as one can easily develop mental health issues here. Furthermore, dealing with mental health struggles while working in such an environment can be detrimental, contributing to feelings of helplessness, isolation, and ultimately, hopelessness.
Recently, I came across a job posting that stated the ideal candidate should have a ‘sorted personal life with no emotional baggage.’ I couldn’t help but think that no one truly fits this description. Our emotional experiences and personal challenges are integral parts of who we are and cannot simply be left at home when we go to work. It’s crucial for organizations to recognize that their employees are whole human beings, not just workers. Setting such unrealistic expectations dehumanizes employees and ignores the reality of their mental health challenges. Workplace demands should not add to their stress. Something for employers to think about.
Breaking the Silence
One of the most significant barriers to addressing the youth suicide crisis is the persistent stigma surrounding mental health in India. Conversations about emotional well-being are often dismissed as unimportant within many Indian families and communities. Many young individuals facing immense stress often feel trapped by societal expectations. Most of them do not have a safe space to express themselves, causing them to keep everything inside. This perpetuates feelings of isolation, anxiety, and hopelessness, driving some to take extreme measures.
However, breaking the stigma and seeking counseling can make a world of difference. Mental health professionals, including therapists and counselors, provide a safe, non-judgmental space to explore one’s emotions, develop coping strategies, and find solutions to difficult life challenges. Research shows that counseling and psychological interventions can reduce suicidal ideation to a large extent. Counseling not only offers emotional support but also provides practical tools to manage stress & anxiety, restructure unhealthy patterns, and build resilience. For students in Kota or employees in high-pressure environments like the Big Four MNCs, and consulting jobs, therapy can offer an outlet for processing overwhelming emotions effectively.
How Counseling Has Helped Many
The effectiveness of counseling in reducing suicide risk is well-documented. There is a lot of research on the matter. In a study lead by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health it was found that people who received therapy were 27% less likely to try to attempt suicide again and the effects of being in therapy were long term.
All of this shed light on the importance of seeking help before the mental health situation becomes dire. Moreover, counseling provides individuals with critical coping tools to handle both academic and workplace stress, helping them navigate toxic environments in healthier ways.
Practical Steps to Manage Toxic Environments
While counseling is a powerful tool, there are also several practical steps individuals can take to protect their mental health when faced with a disturbing academic or work environment. Here are some strategies:
- Set Boundaries: In high-pressure environments, it’s crucial to establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid checking emails after work hours or taking on more than you can handle. Learn to say no when necessary. Be polite but firm about it.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for activities that help you recharge—whether it’s exercising, meditating, journaling, or spending time with loved ones. Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity, and you deserve it.
- Build a Support System: Surround yourself with friends, family, or colleagues who understand what you’re going through. Having someone to talk to when things get tough can prevent feelings of isolation and despair.
- Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Incorporating mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation into your daily routine can go a long way. It can help subside symptoms of stress, such as tension or anxiety. You must try it.
- Seek Professional Help Early: If you notice persistent feelings of sadness, irritability, or overwhelm, don’t wait for things to get worse. Reach out to a counselor or therapist early on, so you can start addressing these emotions proactively.
Suicide Prevention: You Are Not Alone
September marks Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness and emphasize the importance of mental health care in reducing suicide rates. If you or someone you know is on the verge of considering suicide, it is vital to understand that help is available and that this intense feeling of hopelessness is temporary, no matter how overwhelming it may seem at the moment. Most people who feel suicidal do not actually want to die—they just want the pain to end. Talking to someone—a mental health professional, a trusted friend, or even a helpline—can provide the support you need during these difficult moments.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide is preventable, and timely intervention can save lives. Therapy and counseling are crucial components in preventing suicides, as they help individuals reframe their thought processes, develop healthier coping strategies, and provide a safe space to process intense emotions.
If you or someone you know is in need of immediate support, here are several suicide prevention helpline numbers in India:
- Sumaitri (Delhi-based): 011-23389090
- Sneha Foundation (Chennai-based): 044-24640050
- Connecting NGO: 9922004305, 9922001122
- Vandrevala Foundation: 18602662345
- Fortis Mental Health: 8376804102
- Snehi: 9582208181
Reaching out to these resources can make a significant difference. You don’t have to endure this alone. You are valued, your struggles matter, and with the right help, there is hope for a brighter tomorrow.
You can also find free resources by TWS, including a mental health safety plan that can help you tend to your mental health. If you’re looking for counselling or psychotherapy, please book a session online using our calendar.
