We need to stop normalising silent suffering

The news of the young doctor, the NEET topper of 2017, committing suicide has deeply shaken me.  It is not only him, according to media reports 20 IIT students committed suicide in the last year alone.

A new report reveals that student suicides in India are rising at a disturbing rate, far outpacing both population growth and overall suicide trends. The report, titled "Student Suicides: An Epidemic Sweeping India," was released during the Annual IC3 Conference and Expo 2024.

Drawing on data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the report highlights that while overall suicide rates in India have increased by 2% annually, the rate of student suicides has surged by 4%. The report also suggests these figures may be underreported, indicating a potentially even more severe issue.

It's hard to believe that someone who cleared exams like NEET, IIT etc., and achieved so much at such a young age are  no longer with us. This tragedy reminds us of a harsh reality that we often choose to ignore.

Since childhood, we are told that success is everything, and that chasing our goals relentlessly is the purpose of life. But in this race, we forget something crucial—our mental health. Everyone faces pressure, but alongside that, there are personal battles we fight in silence. Whether it’s family problems, heartbreak, loneliness, or the fear of failure, these struggles chip away at us from the inside.

So why do we push ourselves so hard, even when we know we’re mentally exhausted? Why do we treat our personal struggles as mere obstacles to be ignored, when in fact, they can break us from within? Success should never come at the cost of mental health.

In today’s world, mobile phones and social media have distanced people from each other in a profound way. Even though we may be physically close, we are becoming emotionally distant. We hide our struggles behind screens when what we truly need is each other’s support.

We all need to be kinder to ourselves and to others. We must be open about our problems, whether they are personal, professional, or emotional. No one should have to fight their battles alone, and no one’s mental health should be sacrificed for success. We need to stop normalizing silent suffering. We need to be a source of support for one another, because behind every achievement is a person with hopes, fears, and struggles.

In today’s age, the world of mobile phones has become a pseudo-world that doesn’t truly exist. We think we’re connected, but in reality, we’ve become emotionally disconnected. Every day, we struggle with small and big things, and in this digital age, we’ve neglected our real relationships.

This is why it’s so important to value family. The stronger your family bond, the less mental anxiety you will face. When you spend time with your loved ones, the emotional support you get is unmatched. Family support gives you inner strength, and in this fast-paced life, it’s essential that we spend time with them.

Parents must ensure that they raise their children to be strong enough from an early age, so they don’t get discouraged or stressed even after working hard and not achieving what they desire.

We as a society have an important role in providing  an environment that values effort, embraces failure as a learning opportunity, and offers the support needed to overcome challenges, helping individuals develop long-term resilience

And most importantly, everyone should have at least one person in their life with whom they can open up without hesitation, share their deepest thoughts, and never feel the need to lie. Such a relationship or friendship is vital in everyone’s life, as it provides emotional comfort and a sense of truth.

Additionally, it’s important to remember that seeking help from a counsellor is not only normal, but necessary when you feel overwhelmed. Mental health professionals are trained to help us navigate through difficult emotions and personal struggles. Just as we visit a doctor for physical ailments, we should consult counsellors when we are mentally or emotionally drained. There is no shame in seeking help. In fact, acknowledging that you need support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Talking to a counsellor can provide a safe space to express your feelings, process your emotions, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. It’s important to understand that mental health struggles are part of being human, and it’s okay to reach out for help when needed. We need to break the stigma around mental health and recognize that seeking counselling is as normal as taking care of our physical health

In light of the rising number of student suicides in prestigious institutions like IITs, NITs, and AIIMS, it has become evident that teaching stress management must be prioritized alongside academic subjects. These institutions are known for their demanding curricula, but the mental health of students often takes a backseat to academic performance. It is crucial that stress management is treated as a core subject, just like engineering or medicine, to help students develop coping mechanisms, emotional resilience, and mental well-being.

Integrating stress management education will provide students with the tools they need to handle pressure, avoid burnout, and seek support when needed. This is not just a suggestion but an urgent necessity, given the alarming rise in student suicides and the silent struggles many face.

By: Inbisat Ahmad, Civil Engineering student at NIT Srinagar