With recent changes in immigration policies and the mounting pressures of living abroad, an alarming number of Indian students are turning to suicide
Every year, countless international students arrive in Canada on study visas, hopeful of building a better future. However, many soon discover that the reality here is far from what they had envisioned. Tragically, this has led some to take their own lives.
At the same time, thousands of international students and workers in Canada, especially from India, are growing frustrated with recent changes to federal immigration policies. Many live under the constant threat of deportation. Protests and demonstrations, led by students carrying placards with their demands, have been organised in cities like Brampton and Vancouver to voice their grievances against the Canadian government.
While various communities have attempted to address this crisis by calling for proactive measures, the growing number of suicides is alarming. The grief, pain, and despair experienced by these individuals have not been adequately acknowledged, with many opting for suicide—a deeply troubling and heartbreaking trend.
In recent years, suicide rates have surged across Canada, cutting across age, gender, and social classes. What was once a taboo subject has now become a national crisis, exposing significant systemic failures. Despite efforts to build a stronger mental health infrastructure, the rising suicide rates highlight the need for urgent action.
To the people of Punjab, I must deliver a hard truth: Canada is not the land of opportunity it once was. Many are struggling with serious challenges. For now, it might be wise to reconsider your dreams of settling here.
According to Statistics Canada, the country experiences around 4,500 suicides annually. While we have data differentiating between age and gender groups, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding of the diverse experiences that drive these tragic decisions. In 2023, British Columbia reported 639 suicides—roughly 12 deaths per 100,000 people. This alarming figure has remained steady since 2016, with peaks in suicide deaths occurring in January, May, and August.
Behind these statistics lie stories of hopelessness and isolation. Unemployment, financial pressures, family breakdowns, and untreated or undiagnosed mental health issues push many to the brink. Over the past decade, Canada's socio-economic landscape has shifted drastically, contributing to these challenges. Rapid urbanisation, job losses, inflation, and the pressure to succeed have increased the mental strain on individuals, particularly foreign students. The government's focus on foreign relations, often at the expense of domestic welfare, has only made life harder for many.
Foreign students, in particular, are bearing the brunt of Canada's economic hardships, struggling with high living costs and loneliness. Without adequate financial support or mental health resources, many find themselves in despair.
The traditional social support systems that once offered emotional and financial stability have eroded, leaving many to navigate their struggles alone. A lack of mental health services further compounds the problem, with access to psychologists, therapists, and counsellors remaining a privilege in many parts of the country. The stigma surrounding mental illness forces many to suffer in silence.
The role of technology, particularly social media, in this crisis cannot be ignored. While it serves as a vital communication tool, it has also become a breeding ground for cyberbullying and toxic comparisons. This environment, combined with societal pressures, has contributed to rising depression rates among the youth, some of whom tragically resort to suicide.
Canada urgently needs to reevaluate its mental health policies and increase funding for mental health services. The current Mental Health Bill must be accompanied by a clear implementation plan to make therapy affordable and accessible, especially for vulnerable groups. Unfortunately, the Trudeau government is facing political instability, with the departure of NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, leaving the government in a precarious position. As a result, it's hard to expect meaningful action from them in the near future.
In the meantime, grassroots efforts to raise awareness and remove the stigma surrounding mental health are crucial. Communities need to create safe spaces where individuals feel comfortable seeking help without fear of judgment. This will require collaboration between government, civil society, and religious organisations to build support systems that individuals can rely on during crises.
The pressure on young international students—many barely 20 years old—to study, work, and support their families back home is overwhelming, especially in Canada’s current economic climate. Parents must understand the immense burden they place on their children. With the same investment, students could thrive in Punjab, completing their education and building fulfilling lives.
This crisis requires a comprehensive response. A study exploring the beliefs of first-generation Canadian Punjabi Sikh parents regarding suicide revealed that factors such as peer relationships, parental pressure, hormonal fluctuations, and mental health issues contribute to suicidal behaviors. The findings highlight the need for better parental involvement and more accessible mental health services.
Finally, addressing the root causes of suicides—financial pressures, lack of job opportunities, and mental health support—is essential. Educational institutions and workplaces must offer proactive mental health services, and the government must establish financial assistance programs to alleviate economic stress.
The rising suicide rate in Canada is a warning to both the Canadian government and the Punjabi community. Immediate action is needed to save the lives of students and others on the brink of despair.
(The author is a veteran journalist and freelance writer based in Canada; views are personal)
