As mental health continues to be overshadowed by the pursuit of success, it is crucial to provide support to those who need it most
The rising number of suicides in India, especially among young people and businessmen, is an alarming and heart-wrenching issue that demands serious attention. News about students and entrepreneurs ending their lives after facing failure or distress has become all too frequent. It is high time that society, including teachers, psychiatrists, and responsible citizens, reflects on why these individuals are so prone to taking such extreme measures in moments of despair.
In recent years, the suicide epidemic has gained prominence, particularly among students preparing for competitive exams. The pressure to succeed, exacerbated by societal expectations and the fear of failure, has devastating consequences on the mental health of young individuals. The city of Kota in Rajasthan, famous for its coaching institutes, has become a hub for student suicides. Thousands of students flock to the city each year with the singular goal of cracking entrance exams for top medical and engineering colleges. Yet, under the immense weight of academic expectations, many crumble.
According to data presented in the Lok Sabha, over 35,000 students in India committed suicide between 2019 and 2021. In 2019, the number of student suicides stood at 10,335, which increased to 12,526 in 2020 and further to 13,089 in 2021. These figures paint a grim picture of the pressures that students face. The constant comparison to peers, the relentless competition, and the desire to meet the high expectations of parents, teachers, and society often leave young individuals feeling trapped, hopeless, and unable to cope with failure.
Former president of the Indian Medical Association, Dr. Vinay Aggarwal, emphasizes that merely expressing concern over the rising number of suicides is insufficient. He argues that there is an urgent need to identify solutions to this crisis. On World Suicide Prevention Day, which falls on September 10th, a seminar will be held in New Delhi to discuss the causes behind youth, businessman, and other suicides. The event will bring together psychiatrists, journalists, and social workers who will share their experiences and insights. Following this, strategies will be developed to curb the rising suicide rates.
In the realm of student suicides, efforts are being made by some coaching centers to ease the pressure on students. Counseling services have been introduced, and parents are being engaged in the process to ensure students' well-being. These initiatives aim to reduce the intense stress associated with high-stakes examinations. However, more comprehensive measures are required at both institutional and societal levels to alleviate the crushing burden placed on students.
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reports that in 2020, a student committed suicide every 42 minutes. This statistic is both shocking and indicative of the mental health crisis that young people are facing. It underscores the need for parents, teachers, and society to create an environment that allows students to pursue their academic goals without undue pressure. Social worker Brother Solomon George of the Delhi Brotherhood Society (DBS) echoes this sentiment. He stresses that students should not be subjected to unnecessary comparisons or interrogations about their family background, income, or caste. Such actions, often unwittingly, can weaken a child’s self-esteem and lead to despair. George advocates for a holistic approach to education that nurtures the child’s mental health alongside academic success. He also emphasizes that children should have the freedom to choose careers that align with their interests and abilities, rather than being forced into predefined molds of success.
The suicide epidemic is not limited to students. Businessmen, too, have been increasingly taking their lives due to financial losses.
The NCRB also reveals that in 2020, during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, 11,716 businessmen in India committed suicide. This marked a 29% increase from 2019 when 9,052 business-related suicides were recorded. The economic turmoil brought on by the pandemic dealt a severe blow to businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These enterprises, already vulnerable to financial shocks, were further burdened by debt and losses. Karnataka recorded the highest number of suicides by businessmen in 2020, with 1,772 deaths—a staggering 103% increase from the previous year. Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu also reported significant increases in suicides by businessmen, with 1,610 and 1,447 cases, respectively.
The plight of India’s business community, especially SMEs, is often overlooked in discussions about mental health. The issue of suicide among students, businessmen, and others cannot be ignored any longer.
It is imperative that both the government and society at large take concerted action to address the mental health challenges facing these vulnerable groups. Preventive measures, including counseling, mental health awareness, and creating supportive environments, must be prioritised.
(The writer is a senior journalist; views are personal)
