Set off warning: mentions of suicide. This function discusses suicide, suicidal ideas, and psychological well being challenges. Please learn with care, and take a break if it’s worthwhile to. In the event you or somebody is struggling, we encourage you to achieve out for assist.

“Mujhse nahi ho paya (I couldn’t do it). I’m sorry, Papa.”

These had been the final phrases of Himanshu Kashyap, a 24-year-old MBBS scholar from Chhattisgarh who just lately died by suicide in a hostel amid examination stress. 

In one other case, a younger physician from Muzaffarpur, Bihar, ended his life after failing to clear his postgraduate medical entrance examination. He allegedly died from a gunshot wound from his father’s licensed gun.

In the meantime, in Madhya Pradesh, a 13-year-old schoolgirl tried suicide by leaping from the primary ground of her college constructing. She sustained minor fractures on her legs and arms.

Many instances, we come throughout such tales in newspapers or different media platforms. 

In accordance with the Nationwide Crime Data Bureau, college students account for 7.6 % of India’s suicide deaths, practically 13,000 younger lives yearly.

A latest authorities report was even starker: suicide has overtaken street accidents and illness because the main reason for dying amongst Indians aged between 15 and 29, with self-harm being the foremost trigger. 

Mother and father, academics, and friends are sometimes the primary to note modifications; nevertheless, many don’t know methods to assist.

We spoke with Dr Aninda Sidhana, a Rajasthan-based psychiatrist and assistant secretary common of the Indian Psychiatric Society (Northern Zone), to develop a sensible, empathetic, evidence-based Suicide Prevention Toolkit.

Designed for households, educators, and friends, it might probably turn into each a defend and a lifeline. As a result of behind each share level isn’t just information, however a younger life ready to be saved.

Listed here are excerpts from the interview with Dr Aninda.

What makes Indian youth notably weak to suicide?

Indian youth typically navigate a troublesome mixture of cultural expectations, tutorial pressures, and private struggles. Mother and father and society typically dictate profession decisions, making marks and achievements a matter of household delight. 

Many college students stay away from dwelling for his or her research, which may result in emotions of loneliness, cultural shock, and adjustment points.

Whereas psychological stress is a part of the image, the roots run deeper: inflexible tutorial and profession pipelines, social isolation, and an absence of secure areas for vulnerability. 

Stigma stays an enormous barrier. Looking for assist is usually equated with weak spot — “boys don’t cry” or “going to a psychiatrist means you’re mad”.

Hierarchy within the household additionally discourages many children from opening as much as mother and father, fearing they are going to both be dismissed or trigger their mother and father stress. Fast modernisation and a rising era hole additionally play a task. 

Younger folks might undertake world concepts and life that oldsters battle to simply accept, creating battle and additional isolation.

Are warning indicators totally different in youngsters in comparison with school college students?

Sure. In youngsters, purple flags typically embody tutorial decline, isolation, irritability, and sudden shifts in behaviour. Amongst school college students, indicators might overlap but in addition contain substance use, withdrawal from peer actions, and dangerous comparisons fuelled by social media or monetary pressures.

How can mother and father or academics distinguish regular teenage temper swings from regarding behaviour?

Temper swings are regular in adolescence. However regarding patterns emerge when modifications persist for weeks and have an effect on social or tutorial life. Warning indicators embody:

• Withdrawing from associates or household
  

• Declining grades
  

• Expressions of hopelessness
  

• Lack of curiosity in actions as soon as loved
  

If these persist, it’s time to step in.

What’s the easiest way to start out a dialog if suicide is suspected?

First, construct belief. Mother and father ought to try to be associates earlier than disciplinarians. Youngsters open up once they really feel secure, not judged. Reassure them that their value will not be tied to marks or achievements.

For academics, it’s essential to create an approachable setting: open doorways, no judgment. “I’ve seen you appear quieter these days. Is one thing bothering you?” Then hear, with out interruption. Many instances, a affected person’s ear saves a life. As a result of nobody desires to finish their life; the principle cause for suicide is a cry for assist to finish the ache.

The golden rule is to be empathetic, keep away from judgement, instil hope, and encourage skilled assist. If issues are critical, inform mother and father and authorities instantly.

How can classmates responsibly assist associates in misery?

Friends play a robust position. Help can appear to be:

• Merely being current and listening with out dismissing their emotions
  

• Sharing contacts for helplines or campus counselling
  

• Checking in usually with messages or espresso invitations
  

• Respecting boundaries whereas making it clear you can be found
  

Typically, a small gesture — a good day, a dialog, a shared stroll — could make somebody really feel much less alone.

What ought to adults keep away from saying to distressed youth?

Sure phrases deepen disgrace and isolation. Keep away from:

• “Snap out of it.”
  

• “It’s all in your head.”
  

• “After I was your age, I managed superb.”
  

• “Take a look at Sharmaji’s son, he scored higher.”
  

• “We’ve given you all the pieces, what’s there to cry about?”
  

These invalidate feelings. As a substitute, present compassion and curiosity.

What position ought to faculties and faculties play?

Establishments are vital in suicide prevention. Each college and school ought to:

• Make use of counsellors and guarantee psychiatrist visits
  

• Assign mentors for college kids
  

• Maintain common consciousness and literacy periods
  

• Encourage peer-led teams and nameless reporting channels
  

• Develop clear insurance policies on suicide prevention and disaster response
  

How can academics spot silent struggles in college students who don’t converse up?

Consciousness programmes ought to run usually, not simply throughout crises. Lecturers can endure gatekeeper coaching like QPR (Query, Persuade, Refer). Whereas not all are psychiatrists, each educator could be a psychological well being advocate. Empathy, vigilance, and normalised conversations are key.

College students ought to be sensitised to indicators like extended unhappiness, hopelessness, or withdrawal. Peer-awareness programmes assist them recognise purple flags and know when to encourage associates to hunt assist.

When is pressing skilled assist or hospitalisation wanted?

Fast escalation is required when there are:

• Energetic suicidal ideas or planning
  

• Social withdrawal is so extreme that it disrupts each day functioning
  

• Entry to means akin to medicine or weapons
  

At this level, skilled intervention is lifesaving.

How can mother and father overcome stigma and encourage help-seeking?

Stigma discount begins at dwelling however should lengthen to society. Media and cinema have energy; portrayals like Shah Rukh Khan’s discussions of psychological sickness helped normalise conversations.

Platforms like The Higher India play a vital position by sharing actual tales, displaying younger those that looking for assistance is a power, not a weak spot.

What protecting components forestall suicides, and what therapies work finest for Indian youth?

• Sturdy friendships and peer bonds
  

• Supportive household ties
  

• Entry to mentors or confidants in faculties
  

• Extracurricular actions that present pleasure and objective
  

Even small rituals, like “parked automotive conversations” with a buddy, will be deeply protecting.

Furthermore, evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Remedy (CBT), disaster intervention, and temporary remedy have proven sturdy outcomes. Importantly, remedy ought to be accessible, stigma-free, and tailor-made to cultural realities.

How can resilience be constructed with out including stress?

Resilience shouldn’t imply “toughen up”. It grows by emotional regulation, secure retailers, and unconditional assist. Colleges can introduce mindfulness, journaling, or inventive arts. Mother and father and academics ought to have a good time effort, not simply outcomes, serving to youth see failure as a part of development.

What position does social media play?

Social media is a double-edged sword. The Papageno impact (which prevents folks from suicide by selling constructive examples of suicidal disaster administration) reveals that listening to restoration tales on-line can encourage hope. 

However irresponsible protection of suicides, just like the Werther impact (publicity to media tales during which identifiable folks take their lives), can enhance danger. Oversharing strategies or glamorising deaths should be averted. On the similar time, social media can join younger folks to assist networks if used responsibly.

If somebody is in instant disaster, what ought to be carried out first?

Deal with suicidal ideas like a coronary heart assault: an emergency!

• Don’t depart the individual alone
  

• Take away potential technique of hurt
  

• Contact knowledgeable or emergency service instantly
  

• In India, name toll-free numbers 14416 or 1-800 891 4416 (Authorities’s Tele Manas psychological well being helpline) or 9152987821 (Sneha Suicide Prevention Helpline)
  

• Converse calmly: “I’m right here with you. We’ll get assist proper now.”
  

This second will not be about fixing all the pieces. It’s about making certain security till skilled assist arrives.

Suicide will not be a need to die; it’s a determined try to finish insufferable ache. A toddler’s value is rarely tied to marks or achievements. What they want most is kindness, acceptance, and the knowledge that they’re liked unconditionally.

Sources:

‘‘Mujhse nahi ho paya’: MBBS scholar dies by suicide at Chhattisgarh hostel over examination stress’: By HT Information Desk for Hindustan Occasions, Printed on 6 September 2025.

‘Suicide is now the highest reason for dying amongst Indians aged 15 to 29‘: By Barkha Mathur for Enterprise Commonplace, Printed on 8 September 2025.