[Based on an article written by Kaniza Garari, published in Deccan Chronicle dated 14th June, 2017].
Of late, suicides are on the rise among the youth as increased depression manifests itself. Many of them are not even aware of their condition as multiple studies published in the Asian Journal of Psychiatry show that sub-clinical depression is afflicting 20 percent of students. More than thirty percent of students showed moderate depression, 37.7 percent severe depression and 13.1 percent extreme depression. Dr. K. Chandrashekhar, senior psychiatrist, said, "There is too much expectation placed on students and they are supposed to deliver good results within a short time.
"This increases their stress levels and when things don't click as expected, it leads to a cycle of negative thoughts which cause a very low feeling".
There are over-expectations from students who are always under pressure to give their best. But the capability and social realities have to be taken into account before setting targets for them.
Dr. J.M. Reddy, a senior psychiatrist at Yashoda Hospital, said, "We have found students coming under extreme pressure to do their best when their capabilities are not of that level. They are just struggling to prove themselves and there is always an internal conflict. This gives way to anxiety, anger and depression. Here, we not only have to treat the young patient but also intensively counsel the parents as only then will the pressure ease and make way for better outcomes".
The number of student suicides gives an insight into the mental health trauma that they are facing. There have been 39,775 student suicides from 2010 to 2015. In 2015 alone the number of students who killed themselves was 8,934.
Dr. Naresh Vadlamani, a senior psychiatrist, explained, "The number of attempted suicides are much higher but there are no details. Whenever there have been cases of self-harm the parents and college administration have blamed each other, rather than helping out the young student. Most of them are not able to articulate what they are going through as there is a poor relationship with parents, poor understanding from their peers, as well as romantic relationships. Hence, suicide in most cases has been found to be an impulsive act rather than well-calculated and thought-out step".
With the stigma attached to mental health, those coming out and speaking about it are very few. The number of people opening up is not encouraging as there are many more suffering silently. There is need for counsellors on the campus to help students and these must be qualified psychiatrists or psychologists who can deal with the problem and not brush it under the carpet, causing more harm to the student and closing the door for help.
Signs of Depression:
- Disturbed behaviour, lack of sleep, aloofness, negative thoughts towards the smallest things and feeling of uselessness.
- There are some who put an excessive show while they are suffering inside, like putting up their best pictures on social media more often than required.
- Medications in case of severe depression along with counselling and support from family members.
- Depression requires prolonged treatment and it has to be completed.
[Based on an article written by Indulekha Arakkal, published in Deccan Chronicle dated 14, June, 2017].
Grades pressure leaves all feeling degraded: After the hassle for results and admissions, the stress levels of parents and students remain the same even after schools have reopened. Students are expected to perform exceptionally well throughout the year to meet society's standard of grades, which often ranges from 95 to 100 percent. With parents adding to the pressure, students sometimes resort to drastic measures. The education system is rigid. Students are expected to perform brilliantly in subjects regardless of their interest or talent. It is important to encourage a system that promotes holistic development of students that is not based on grades alone. "There is a lack of awareness on the importance of counselling for both students and parents. Schools must regularly let parents know about their child's progress and ask them to encourage their child's talent. A certain amount of pressure is needed to encourage students but pressuring them more than required will not get results", said Ms. Seema Agarwal, a counsellor.
The stress on parents often leads to them taking it out on their wards. At the Hyderabad Schools Parents Association campaign against the hike in school fees, the tension of parents was palpable.
"Children need a healthy environment to grow. Today, dinner table conversations revolve around the amount of money to be paid for fees. This leads to children feeling guilty of being a burden. Parents tend to pressurise their kids because they want to get full value for their money. As the schools do not notify the parents about their child's development, they are just becoming a money-minting machine. How can a healthy environment be guaranteed for students and parents in these circumstances", she said.
An education system that doesn't view students based on their grades should be encouraged. With schools promoting extra-curricular activities, it is a leap forward, however, the general conception of grades being used as a yardstick to measure success is yet to be brought to a stop. Ms. M. Lalitha, additional secretary of the Telangana State School Education Department said, "It is important for the students to be relieved from stress while they study. However, our education system is an outdated one and building up a new one requires a lot of planning and time.
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