‘Academic pressure triggering suicide’

A social discussion group consisting of IITians has identified some of the major causes behind student suicides, especially those in professional institutions such as the IIT. The social group has also tried to find solutions to identify students with suicidal tendencies and measures to be taken that can help overcome the tendencies.

According to the discussion by the Samwad hangout group that consists of IITians, students from other institutions and professionals, some of the main causes for student suicides are academic pressure, job pressure, economical pressure, family pressure because of lowered academics. The group also concluded that the issue of depression was often misunderstood and counselling was often misinterpreted resulting in students not wanting to go to counsellors.

“Cut-throat competition in IITs, media glorifying high pay packages, alcohol, drug, substance abuse, relationships, breakups, family not agreeing for marriage are some of the causes that the discussion narrowed down upon for inhibiting suicidal tendencies among the student fraternity,” said a spokesperson for the Samwad group.

Aman Mantry, a third-year student of IIT-B, said, “Freshmen in the first year undergo a complex after seeing that while they were at the top in their school and junior college, at IIT-B they are in a league with others. Home sickness also contributes to depression,” said Mr Mantry.

“Students who fail to get internship abroad feel dejected and unhappy. The same is the case during campus placements. Being unable to get good placements is also one of the reasons behind students becoming depressed,” said Shrey Singh, a former IIT-B student who was also a mentor for freshmen students. He added that IIT-B has put a mentor system in place due to which students with low self esteem and depression could be easily identified and timely help provided to stop them from resorting to extreme measures.

Nasiruddin Ahmad, a fourth year student and an institute mentor said, “Each mentor is entrusted with 10-12 mentees who are freshmen. The mentors have to meet and interact with the mentees regularly and also spot if any of the freshmen are in need of help.”

IIT-B has a team of three professional counselors who are accessible round-the-clock. However, the Samwad discussion group felt that counseling was not effective sometimes. “Some counsellors are unable to understand students, while some students cannot express their problems properly. Courses such as life skills that is taught in IIT-Madras as a compulsory course in first year should be promoted in other colleges as well,” said the Samwad spokesperson.