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Mental health concerns among students in higher education institutions continue to remain a major issue, with a nationwide survey by the National Task Force (NTF) finding that a significant number of students have experienced severe distress and suicidal thoughts.
The NTF was constituted by the Supreme Court to examine mental health concerns and student suicides in higher educational institutions. Its interim findings have highlighted academic pressure, social exclusion, discrimination and gaps in mental health support across campuses.
9% Students Report Suicidal Thoughts
According to the survey findings reported by PTI, 9 per cent of students said they had experienced suicidal thoughts often. Another 15 per cent said they had gone through a period of feeling very distressed during the previous six months. The survey covered students from higher education institutions and forms part of the task force's wider examination of factors affecting student mental health.
The findings come amid continued concerns over student suicides at higher education institutions, particularly campuses where students face academic competition, pressure related to placements and social or personal difficulties.
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Academic Pressure Among Major Concerns
The task force's interim findings point to several factors that can contribute to student stress. Discussions with faculty and students at premier institutions highlighted intense academic competition, pressure around grades and expectations related to placements and future salaries.
At some institutions, relationship problems and the pressure of meeting academic expectations were also identified as sources of stress. The report noted that students can sometimes feel that their entire identity is reduced to grades, ranks and placement packages. Social exclusion and discrimination were also flagged as concerns. The task force found that 34 per cent of surveyed students felt like an outsider on campus.
Gaps In Mental Health Support
The NTF also raised concerns about the availability of mental health services. Its preliminary survey of higher education institutions found that more than 70 per cent did not have full-time mental health service providers, while fewer than 4 per cent had suicide-risk management protocols. The report also pointed to gaps in faculty training and institutional systems for identifying students who may be experiencing serious distress.
What The Task Force Has Recommended
The NTF has called for institutions to strengthen mental health services, introduce clear protocols for handling suicide risks and train faculty and administrative staff to identify signs of academic, financial, social and other forms of stress. It has also recommended better reporting of student suicides and unnatural deaths, including cases involving students living outside campuses.
The task force's final report is expected to provide further recommendations on addressing mental health concerns and preventing student suicides in higher education institutions.
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