Handling Academic Stress: The Role of Career Counselling in Preventing Student Suicides.

In the heart-wrenching note left behind by an 18-year-old girl from Kota, where she wrote, “Mummy, Papa I Can’t Do JEE, I am A Loser,” the harsh reality of academic stress in India comes to light. Tragically, her story is one among many, reflecting a distressing trend gripping the nation’s youth.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), suicide – a silent epidemic, has become the leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 30, with a staggering statistic revealing that a student takes their own life every 42 minutes.

Reasons for academic stress-related suicidal tendencies among students:

What drives these young minds to a breaking point?

• In India, academic success is often measured by high grades in standardized exams and admission to prestigious institutions or lucrative career paths.

• From a very young age, students are made to prioritize academic excellence above all else, instilling high expectations, pressure to excel and outperform their peers.

• Comparison fuels insecurities creating a stifling environment with little room for exploration or personal development.

• The relentless pursuit of high grades and competition for prestigious colleges creates a toxic atmosphere of stress and anxiety, often resulting in fear of failure and feelings of inadequacy when expectations are not met.

• The rigorous preparation required for exams like NEET, JEE and international competitive exams further burdens students, fueling anxiety and depression, even leading to suicidal thoughts. Moreover, in Indian society, most parents project their aspirations onto their children who are forced to carry the weight of their expectations.

• Also, in recent times with rapid technological advancements students have to constantly stay updated and competitive, adding another layer of stress to their already burdened minds.

Recognizing the need for Action:

India’s “pressure cooker education system” often comes at the cost of students’ mental well-being, with high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression being common among young learners.

Efforts like Tamil Nadu’s move to abolish NEET due to associated suicides show the urgent need for action to help students’ mental health.

Initiatives like the Tele Mental Health Assurance and Networking Across States (Tele MANAS) helpline by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reveal that on average, about 9,000 calls per month are received from the age group of 15-30 years, with issues ranging from anxiety and fear of failure to feelings of inadequacy and suicidal thoughts.

Focusing on the primary concerns troubling students—such as fear of the future, insufficient awareness of career paths, including newer options, and the weight of expectations—is a priority.

Recognizing the warning signs and providing comprehensive support are essential to safeguarding students’ mental well-being and preventing tragic outcomes

One crucial aspect of this support is the role of career counselors. Let’s examine how.

Preventing Academic-Related Suicidal Thoughts Through Career Counselling

Let’s revisit the fundamental question: What do we all desire as humans? The answer is a fulfilling life, including a bright future, financial stability, career growth – essentially, success.

This pursuit, however, is subjective. We often compare ourselves to others and at times societal pressures compel us to sacrifice our true passions and follow norms, simply chasing what seems like success. This departure from our authentic selves can lead to bad choices impacting our present and future.

Uncertainty about one’s purpose is the underlying cause of distress, anxiety, depression, and, in severe cases, suicidal thoughts among students.

This is where the role of a career counsellor becomes indispensable. Exactly how? We will discuss this under 2 broad subheadings.

1. Career Counsellors provide a Reality check:

What does this mean? Here are a few scenarios:

1. You might be pushed to take up Medicine as a profession, but do you have the passion, aptitude, and commitment required to excel in the field?

2. You are advised to pursue Data Science as this is the trending career option today, but do you have the analytical skills, mathematical proficiency, and problem-solving abilities needed to thrive in this field?

3. You are given to understand that only careers in Information Technology (IT) are relevant in today’s digital age. While IT offers exciting opportunities and is a rapidly growing field, a career in IT might not be a suitable choice for you as you do not possess the necessary skills or interests to thrive in this field.

Trying to conform to expectations instead of being true to oneself can cause internal struggle, stress, and suicidal thoughts. Understanding who you are, what you’re good at, your learning style, and where you can excel will remove confusion and anxiety stemming from uncertainty about your abilities. Often, not knowing what you want makes you succumb to pressure from parents, friends, and society.

A reality check from a career counsellor involves assessing your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values impartially, enabling you to gain deeper insight into your potential and support decision-making aligned with your true self.

It’s essential to recognize that success can be achieved in various professions and the key is to find the one that resonates with you. It’s not the end of the road if you do not follow conventional paths dictated by society.

A career counsellor can help you explore alternative career options that may better suit your interests and abilities, easing the tension and anxiety you face. Whether it’s pursuing a career in the arts, humanities, business, or any other field, you will be able to find your niche with guidance from a professional career counsellor.

In the battle between Expectations vs. Capability, the Career counsellor will put your capabilities first.

2. Personalised approach and support:

• Career counselling is not just about helping you find the desired career path. A good career counsellor will incorporate psychological counselling as well as holistic guidance to address the underlying issues contributing to feelings of hopelessness and despair.

• Engaging with a career counsellor who takes the time and effort to truly understand you may be just what is needed to avert disastrous outcomes. By using scientifically proven methods to assess your intellect, delving into your background, identifying barriers that hold you back, and gaining insights into your fears and insecurities, they offer tailored solutions and guidance every step of the way.

• With a supportive and non-judgmental environment, the career counsellor can help you look beyond exam stress and anxiety, empower you, help you develop resilience, and cultivate a positive mindset.

• They can also provide you practical tips for managing exam stress, boosting confidence, and improving social skills, giving you tools to face life’s challenges with a positive outlook.

• Ultimately, career counselling goes beyond simply choosing a career path; it encourages holistic well-being and promotes purpose-driven lives.

Early Detection and Timely Intervention with Elysian

At Elysian, we understand the weight of uncertainty and the pressure that young minds face in today’s competitive world. Our nurturing and empathetic environment creates a safe space where your child feels truly understood and valued. We recognize the alarming trend of suicides among students, a heartbreaking reality that highlights the urgent need for support and intervention. That’s why at Elysian, we prioritize early detection and timely intervention. By providing the best career counselling in Chennai, combined with psychological counselling within a supportive and non-judgmental environment, we help alleviate feelings of hopelessness and despair, steering your child towards a path of resilience and hope. Help is just a phone call away.