Suicide Epidemic Haunts India's Youth as Mental Health Crisis Deepens

As of 2025-11-10T12:57:17+00:00, India is facing a growing mental health crisis among its youth. According to a recent survey, one in five Indian students rarely feels calm, motivated, or excited. Tragically, suicide has become the leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 29 in the country, a concerning statistic reported by the government's Causes of Death in India (2021-2023) study.

Experts attribute this crisis to a combination of factors, including India's highly competitive education system, heavy parental and social expectations, and a severe lack of mental health resources. India currently has only 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, far below the World Health Organization's recommended minimum of 3.

However, some Indian students are finding hope by studying abroad. Those who have made the journey report facing initial challenges like homesickness and anxiety, but also discovering newfound independence, purpose, and support for their emotional well-being. Universities in countries like France are making concerted efforts to prioritize student mental health, providing accessible counseling services and fostering inclusive communities.

As India continues to grapple with this mental health crisis, empowering its youth through international education could be a crucial step in addressing the issue and helping young people thrive.