Mental Health Crisis: Investigating the Rising Students Suicides in India

Abstract

A serious mental health issue associated with high academic pressure, social expectations, and a lack of emotional support is brought to light by India's rising student suicide rate. The purpose of this study is to determine the main causes of students' academic stress and examine variations in stress levels by gender. A systematic Google Form survey was completed by 514 individuals, including instructors, parents, and children. Descriptive and comparative statistical techniques were used to analyze the gathered data.
The findings indicate that the most common cause of academic pressure is career aspirations (17.71%), which are followed by teachers (13.81%), coaching facilities (13.04%), and self-expectations (12.84%). Social media (11.48%), parents (9.34%), peers (9.92%), and other sources (11.87%) are additional contributing factors. According to the gender-based analysis, academic stress affects both genders nearly equally, with male students reporting slightly greater levels of stress (average stress level = 3.06) than female students (3.03).
The study's findings highlight the critical need for institutional counseling services, mental health awareness initiatives, and balanced teaching methods by concluding that pressures related to school and careers are the main causes of student stress. These results can help educators, parents, and legislators create a more encouraging and psychologically sound learning environment.