Sharp increase in students' suicides alarms psychiatrists

Examinations, job pressure and failed relationships are driving people to suicide. Seven cases reported recently showed that in just one week the capital witnessed one suicide every 17 hours. Figures released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) show an increase in the number of suicides in 2010 compared to 2006. Psychologists and counsellors are of the opinion that the younger generation is intelligent, but not mature. The basis of this statement rests on the fact that student suicides jumped by 26 per cent in the last four years. Agreeing with the NCRB data, psychiatrist Sanjay Chugh says, "Anyone can make out how things are going from bad to worse for students who are under tremendous pressure. "A number of students commit suicide due to unemployment and a lot many due to peer pressure. Competition and stress in day-to-day life takes its toll on people with less tolerance level. Such people are easily frustrated and are at a greater risk to give in to the demands of life and put an end to everything." Selection process Professor Vivek Menon blamed the selection process in institutions of higher education for the mess. "A huge number of students pass out of school vying for admission in institutions of their choice. For them, it is a matter of — perform or perish." He felt that the younger generation was impatient and one delay or just one fight results in taking a drastic decision. "The onus is on the parents who should take out time to listen to the distressed children and empathise with them, rather than passing judgment," he said. Several NGOs are offering just that. Says activist Sushant Mehra: "Students are sharp and capable of taking their own decisions. But what they often require is emotional support." Mehra, however, felt it was not just the younger generation, but also adults who are vulnerable to suicidal tendencies. NCRB statistics are proof of that. The data reveals that last year 93,207 adults committed suicide in the country. Opting out A 27-year-old US-returned computer professional committed suicide by jumping from her apartment. She was depressed at not having a secure job and found it difficult to cope with parental pressure to marry and settle down. Living on the edge, people are increasingly looking to suicide as a way out. For every suicide committed, there are numerous that were attempted or contemplated. Counsellor Mamta Basu says: "There are instances when people are pushed towards taking their life in an instant reaction. But in most cases they manifest some symptoms of depression." On the edge: Scenario turns dismal -     National Crime Records Bureau statistics reveal that last year 93,207 adults committed suicide in the country. -    Going by its report for the last two years, the suicide rate among adults has gone up by 7 per cent. -     Student suicides increased by 26 per cent from 2006 to 2010, with metros Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru having most victims. -    While 5,857 student suicides were reported in 2006, the figure jumped to 7,379 in 2010. This shows 20 students killed themselves every day in 2010.