A study conducted by researchers at NIMHANS, Bengaluru, in collaboration with doctors from Australia, the United Kingdom, and some Indian states, has revealed a worrying surge in suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts among college students across the country.
The research team surveyed 8,542 students from 30 universities across nine states between February and September 2019. The survey assessed suicidal thoughts and attempts, symptoms of depression and anxiety, non-suicidal self-harm, suicide risk among peers, and other health and social indicators over a 12-month period.
Adding to this alarming situation, data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) shows that student suicides are increasing at an annual rate of 4%, highlighting a concerning trend.
Suicidal Thoughts and Attempts
The study revealed a significant number of students had experienced suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide. Findings showed that in the 12 months prior to the study, 12.3% of participants had suicidal thoughts, and 5.2% had attempted suicide. Among those who had suicidal thoughts, 34.8% reported making an attempt.
The likelihood of experiencing suicidal thoughts was higher among young students, those who were sexually active, tobacco users, individuals experiencing stressful life events, and those with severe anxiety symptoms. On the other hand, students with strong social support systems were found to be at a lower risk of suicidal thoughts.
Over 35 Students Die by Suicide Daily
To understand the severity of this issue, statistics reveal that every 40 minutes, a young person in India takes their own life. Data from the “Student Suicide—An Epidemic Sweeping India” report shows that over 35 students die by suicide every day in the country.
Between 2018 and 2022, a staggering 59,153 students died by suicide in India. The report also highlights that while the overall suicide rate in India is increasing by 2% annually, the suicide rate among students is rising at an even higher rate of 4% per year. In 2021, 13,089 students took their own lives, while in 2022, the number was 13,044. Between 2018 and 2020, a total of 33,020 student suicides were recorded
According to the survey, Maharashtra reported the highest number of student suicides, with 1,764 cases. Tamil Nadu followed with 1,416 student suicides, while Madhya Pradesh ranked third with 1,340 cases. Uttar Pradesh reported 1,060 student suicides during the same period.
Mental Health – A Major Cause
While there are multiple reasons behind student suicides, poor mental health remains a primary factor. A UNICEF report highlights that one in seven individuals aged 15 to 24 in India struggles with mental health issues.
One of the biggest challenges is the lack of awareness and willingness to seek professional help. According to the UNICEF survey, only 41% of respondents sought counselling or professional help for their mental health issues, while 59% ignored the problem altogether.
The rising number of student suicides in India calls for urgent attention to mental health awareness, support systems, and policy interventions to safeguard young lives.
