Exam Stress Claims Young Lives in India

A concerning trend of student suicides, driven by academic stress and performance anxiety, is emerging across India. Recent incidents, including a 17-year-old's death in Faridabad and a BCom student's suicide in Surat, underscore the psychological toll of educational demands on young people. These events follow similar tragedies in Gurugram, where students reportedly took their lives after receiving poor exam results, highlighting a pervasive fear of academic failure.

Psychologists identify intense academic competition, unrealistic expectations from parents and schools, peer pressure, and social comparison as significant contributors to this crisis. They note a rise in anxiety disorders, depression, and sleep disturbances among teenagers. Official statistics from Haryana's State Crime Records Bureau indicate at least 128 student suicides since 2019, with a peak in 2022, reflecting a broader national increase in student suicides.

In response, experts and educational institutions are emphasizing the need for integrated mental health support. Recommendations include incorporating mental health education into curricula and expanding on-campus counseling services. Schools in Gurugram are enhancing their support systems, and a national psychosocial helpline offers additional resources, aiming to mitigate the overwhelming pressures faced by students navigating academic challenges.