Fear of failure: Suicide cases among students on rise in Telangana

Intermediate Public Examinations results released in the April this year triggered a spate of suicides; within a short span, a total of seven, all unable to clear the exams, ended their lives

Hyderabad: The relentless pressure to excel, fear of failure, constant harassment by teachers and family issues are driving students in Telangana State to take the extreme step of ending their own lives, this year.

In the last few months, nearly 30 students have died by suicides due to various reasons. The latest incident took place on Tuesday when a Class VII student took the extreme measure in the hostel of Narayana School, Hayathnagar, Hyderabad.

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This is just one instance among several heartbreaking deaths that are linked to the intense pressure of academic life experienced on a daily basis by students in residential schools and colleges in the State.

The Intermediate Public Examinations (IPE) results released in the April this year triggered a spate of suicides. Within a short span, a total of seven, all unable to clear the exams, ended their lives.

Earlier this month, two intermediate students studying in corporate junior colleges ended their lives. In one case, the victim’s family alleged harassment by the lecturers that forced their ward to end his life. However, the management denied any mistreatment.

The issue is not just restricted to the private and corporate education institutions in the State. The government-run institutions have also reported a series of suicides.

A BC Welfare Residential Educational Institution Society student Swathi died by suicide in school premise in Sangareddy. The reasons behind taking the extreme step were unknown. In another incident, Praveen, a Class VII student of government residential school in Wanaparthy district, ended his life.

These series of suicides has now turned focus on the mental-well being of students in the educational institutions and need for continuous counselling.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), extreme mood swings, social withdrawal, anger outbursts/behaving impulsively, expressing hopelessness and worthlessness were some of warning signs of suicide. In such a case, an individual or parents must immediately seek counselling help.

Round the clock suicide prevention helplines
· Tele-Manas – 14416

· AASRA – 9820466726

· Vandrevala Foundation – 9999666555