Preventing Student Suicides in India: A Path to a Caring Society
As a society, we must prioritize creating an environment where individuals cherish and value life, rather than promoting thoughts of suicide or circus-like displays around such tragedies. The loss of a life is a tragedy, but it's crucial to understand that every creature is inherently driven to live.
Key Measures to Prevent Student Suicides
1. Increased Support and Closeness
Family and community support play pivotal roles in preventing student suicides. Parents and teachers should offer more emotional support, treating students with respect and understanding. A closer relationship within the family is essential, but it's important to redefine the role of parents from authoritative to more comradeship-like. Respecting children's autonomy and valuing their aspirations over rigid traditions can lead to more harmonious and healthy familial dynamics.
2. Career Guidance and Awareness
The impact of career choices on mental health cannot be overstated. Society often imposes career choices due to peer pressure or cultural expectations, leading to lifelong feelings of remorse and dissatisfaction. For instance, if many students choose engineering, some may regret not exploring other options that align better with their passions. Schools and parents should educate students about different career paths and help them make informed decisions based on their interests and capabilities, rather than societal expectations.
3. Addressing Parental Cruelty and Tradition
In India, parents are often seen as immortal, their decisions unquestioned. This can lead to extreme actions like forcing children to follow particular career paths or adhering to outdated traditions. Forcing a child to align with a parent's dreams is akin to coercing someone to adopt a different religion. It's important to teach children that they have the right to make their own choices, even if it conflicts with family expectations. The well-being and happiness of the child should take precedence over cultural or familial traditions.
4. Cultivating Hope and Understanding
Hope is a powerful tool in combating despair and suicidal thoughts. Children must be taught that there are multiple paths in life and that regret is a common human emotion. Parents and educators should encourage students to explore various career options and help them develop skills to navigate challenges. It's equally crucial to include lessons on mental health, such as understanding depression, the mind's functioning, and the impact of thoughts and emotions. Schools should serve as safe spaces where students can openly discuss their feelings and find support.
5. Fostering Psychological Education
Schools should include modules on trauma, healthy relationships, and the importance of life. Students should learn about trauma bonds, abuse, emotional regulation, and the functioning of the nervous system. These lessons can empower students to safeguard their mental health and recognize when they need help. Additionally, schools should promote a nurturing environment, ensuring students feel comfortable sharing their feelings and seeking support.
Conclusion
To prevent student suicides, it is essential to create a nurturing and understanding society where individuals are valued and supported. By fostering closer family relationships, providing career guidance, addressing parental cruelty, cultivating hope, and promoting psychological education, we can build a future where students feel empowered to live their lives to the fullest. As individuals, we must learn to cherish and respect every life, recognizing the inherent worth of each person's existence.