World Suicide Prevention Day: Why Suicide Cases Are Rising Among Teens In India, Experts Weigh In

Mental Health Of Teenagers: According to the National Crime Bureau Report (NCRB), more than 1,00,000 people in India die by suicide. While various factors contribute to this data, it can no longer be overlooked with the rising cases of suicides among teenagers in the country.

Comparing the data from 2017 and 2021, it was found that there was an increment of 2.1% in the number of suicides. In 2017, India recorded 1,29,887 cases of suicides, while in 2021, the number rose to 1,64,033.

When the data of states was studied, it was found by NCRB that Maharashtra had the highest number of suicide cases reported in 2021. It was followed by Tamil Nadu at 11.5%, Madhya Pradesh at 9.1%, and so on.

If you are not convinced why this issue needs our immediate attention, you should know that about 9,613 cases of suicide were recorded among teenagers below the age of 18 in 2019. The NCRB data further broke it down based on age, sex, and profession. Students accounted for 7.4% of the total number of cases.

As we will be celebrating World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, 2023, we connected with Arushi Sethi Shah, Founder and CEO of Trijog and Dr Chandni Tugnait, M.D. (Alternative Medicines), psychotherapist and founder and director of Gateway of Healing, to understand why the number of suicides among teenagers is on the rise in India.

Why Is India Witnessing An Increase In The Number Of Deaths By Suicide Among Teenagers?

Shah said, “Academic stress, family expectations, and societal pressures place immense psychological burdens on adolescents. A lack of open discussions about mental health adds to the problem.”

Dr Tugnait added, “Poor access to counselling and stigma surrounding mental healthcare also prevent intervention. Parental pressure, bleak economic prospects, job scarcity, lack of coping skills, relationship conflicts and social media's influence can also disproportionately weigh on teens lacking life experience.”

According to Shah, we need to foster open dialogues, train educators to spot signs of distress, strengthen mental health education, and provide accessible counselling services.

Correlation Between The Pressure To Clear Exams And Mental Health Issues

Shah said, “Intense academic expectations often lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and even depression among students.” She quoted a study by the National Council for Educational Research Training (NCERT) found in a survey that almost 80% of students in classes 9-12 suffer from anxiety due to exams and results.

Students are driven to excel in exams rather than gain knowledge, and it often undermines their self-esteem, creating a cycle of self-doubt. She added, “To alleviate this, educators should emphasise holistic learning, promoting a growth mindset over rote memorisation.”

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How Do Parents, Peers, And Teachers Contribute To This Epidemic?

The unwitting pressure is how parents, peers, and teachers contribute to the epidemic. High expectations of parents, self-worth perceptions from peers, and direct or indirect comparisons often affect the mental health of teenagers.

Shah said, “To reverse these trends, parents should foster unconditional support, emphasizing effort over outcomes. Peers should celebrate individuality, not just achievements. Teachers must prioritize understanding students' emotional well-being, adjusting coursework, and promoting a balanced approach to learning.”

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How Can Parents Identify That Their Child Is Suffering From A Mental Health Issue?

Withdrawal from social activities, behavioural changes, irritability, sudden shifts in sleep patterns (How Loneliness Can Affect Sleep), expressions of hopelessness, and academic decline are a few signs that tell parents that their child is struggling.

“Engaging in open, non-judgmental conversations is vital. Creating an environment where children feel comfortable discussing their feelings can help parents gauge their emotional state. Seeking professional guidance if warning signs persist is essential to ensure the child's well-being,” she added.

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