BY: Dr Manisha Chauhan, Resident IMS BHU PSYCHIATRY
The fear is real,so is the competition,constant urge to be better.Indian students are facing it all. There is no real solution,nobody is able to talk.
Helps are available but too stigmatized for them to reach .
A meta-analysis published in the Indian Journal of Social Psychiatry in 2021 compiled data from 28 studies across the country, covering more than 7,000 students found that roughly four out of every ten Indian medical students experience depression. depression was slightly more common among female students, although compared to male students the difference wasn’t very large — academic stress and social isolation affected almost everyone.
A more recent systematic review (2022)estimated that up to 50% of Indian medical students may have depressive symptoms. The variation across studies was explained by different researchers using different screening tools such as the PHQ-9, DASS-21, and Beck Depression Inventory — but no matter how you measure it, the message is clear: depression is widespread in our medical colleges.
Coming to very reputed IITs ,same stories different course.starting from the preparation days these kids have enormous social burden,pressure from parents,their own expectation to be better lead a better life away from poverty.They succed also but at cost of their mental health
A PhD Scholars Survey (2023) which was conducted in IIT kanpur showed 80% of PhD students facing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, etc. 34% said they have been “actively battling” these issues for a long time. 62% got support from friends/family, small fraction used counselling services. A LOT OF IITs HAVE APPOINTED COUNSELLOR FOR BETTER HELP,BUT QUESTION STILL REMAINS HOW MANY OF THEM ARE STILL USING IT
Similar study conducted in IIT Madras which was Freshers Well-being Survey where data showed that About 32% of freshers (UG, PG, PhD) at IIT Madras need some kind of psychological help. 3% of ~2,800 new students need immediate intervention.
The survey was conducted to understand suicides and self-harm incidents; includes new students.
WHAT LEADS TO THESE SPIRAL OF SUICIDE?
The rising reports of suicide among research scholars are not isolated events; they are symptoms of a deeper, systemic illness within our academic culture.
1. The Weight of Insecurity
Most research scholars enter academia with dreams to contribute, to belong, to be seen. But soon, they face harsh realities: uncertain career paths, poor funding, delayed fellowships, and the constant fear of “not being enough.” The long years of work with little recognition make even the most passionate minds question their worth.FINANCIAL CRISIS IS MEET WITH EXTENSTIAL CRISIS
2. Lack of Emotional and Institutional Support
Many students describe their departments as emotionally barren spaces.As a medical student then myself the resident I believe it to be one of the major reason. Supervisors are detached, caught in administrative politics. When a student seeks help, they are frequently met with indifference or subtle humiliation.
But that toughness costs them their sleep, confidence, and sometimes, their will to continue. Emotional neglect slowly becomes trauma.
3. Hierarchical and Hostile Systems
Indian academia still carries a feudal tone. Hierarchies between guides and students can become suffocating. Scholars are expected to obey, not question. Instances of bullying, academic exploitation, or withheld approvals are not rare. A single person’s bias or ego can stall a student’s progress for years.there is a long list of cases of failing PG students MBBS students for mere ego satisfaction with people continuing to endure that without speaking
This kind of institutional cruelty doesn’t leave visible wounds, but it slowly breaks the mind.
4. The Culture of Silence
Mental health remains taboo in academic spaces. Students fear being labelled “unstable” or “unfit for research.” Many silently endure depression, anxiety, or burnout. Peer groups often mirror the same stress, and there are rarely safe systems for confidential counseling within institutes.
So, they smile at conferences and collapse in hostels.
KOTA ANS SUICIDE:NEVER ENDING SPIRAL
Kota is a city where thousands of young students arrive every year, full of ambition and promise. They come to chase big dreams, become doctors or engineers but often, in that journey, they lose something precious: their mind.
Behind the coaching classes and the ranks on notice boards, there are stories of quiet struggle. live away from their families , trying to handle pressure , Every test feels like a judgment, every mark like a measure of their worth.What begins as healthy competition often turns into isolation. Some students start withdrawing, lose interest in food, sleep, or conversations. The stress grows into anxiety, and anxiety sometimes into depression. But they rarely talk about it because in Kota, everyone is supposed to be “strong.” Not returning back home with desired results or calling for help equals WEAKNESS.
As a psychiatrist, I’ve met students who say,”I just want this pressure to stop.”
A very famous quote says that” somebody who wants to die,is not the first thing they want to do” That one line captures the heart of the crisis , these are not children who give up easily, they just feel trapped .
SOLUTION: DO THEY WORK?
The Need for Reform and Empathy
The real change must start at the top. Supervisors and administrators must be sensitized mentor ship is not authority; it’s responsibility. Institutes should establish independent mental health cells, grievance readdress systems, and regular workshops on emotional wellbeing.
Fellowship delays, exploitation in labs, and lack of acknowledgment should not be accepted as “part of academic life.”
The solution doesn’t lie only in reducing syllabus or increasing test breaks , it lies in rebuilding empathy.
QUESTION I ASKED MYSELF MORE OFTEN,am I actually happy being doctor and answer most of the time was NO.
AS A PSYCHIATRIST WE ARE ALWAYS THERE FOR OUR PATIENTS
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE(Outcomes, Strengths & What’s Working)
• Helpline uptake is high: Tele-MANAS has had over 1.8 million calls in about 2-3 years.
• Geographical expansion: Many districts (767) now have DMHP; many SHCs/PHCs upgraded to include mental health services. This decentralization helps reduce travel and access barriers.
• Legal / policy framework: The Mental Healthcare Act (2017) gives a rights-based basis for mental health, and the inclusion in health insurance / health policies helps push accountability and resource allocation.
• Technology / telehealth: Apps, helplines, video consultations help reach remote, rural, or otherwise underserved populations, especially given shortages in specialist human resources.
FEW TRICKS THAT PEOPLE CAN FOLLOW AT THEIR LEVEL ARE
- COGNITIVE RESTRUCTURING( break the cycle of hopelessness)
What we need to stop doing is that taking academic stress as end of life ,its not.somehow kids who grew up trying to find happiness through studies never achieved same after going through all the milestones.
Indian parents now need to take a step backward ,stop defining the worth of your child through JEE and NEET.
BE EMPATHETIC ,,LISTEN,LET CHILD FIND HIS OWN FIELD OF INTEREST
RISE OF SOCIAL MEDIA,CONTENT CREATION HAS GIVEN ENOUGH EVIDENCE THAT MONEY CAN BE EARNED THROUGH VARIOUS MEANS.
There are lots of options,explore them and understand that death is not the solution
2. BREATHING RELAXTATION TECHNIQUES
Practice deep breathing inhale slowly through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 2 seconds, and exhale through your mouth for 6 seconds.
Another method is progressive muscle relaxation, where you tense and relax each group of muscles slowly from head to toe. These will calm your body and signal safety to your brain.
3.Behavioral Activation
Depression reduces motivation, which makes you do less — and doing less deepens depression. Break this cycle by gently pushing yourself to do small, meaningful activities every day:
• A short walk in the sun
• Meeting a friend
• Doing a hobby
• Cleaning your room or cooking something simple
Action often precedes motivation. Even small activities create a sense of achievement.
4. Mindfulness
Mindfulness means being in the present moment, notice your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment.
Try Focus on your breathing for one minute. When your mind wanders, gently bring it back.
Imagining the good memories,thinking about them will create a sense of euphoria
