Hyderabad: 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 per cent of students. More than 30 per cent of students showed moderate depression, 37.7 per cent severe depression and 13.1 per cent extreme depression.
Dr K. Chandrashekar, 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 a 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 up an excessive show while they are suffering inside, like putting up their best pictures on social media more often than required.
Treatment options
Medications in case of severe depression along with counselling and support from family members.
Depression requires prolonged treatment and it has to be completed.
