Kol youth prone to suicide, substance abuse, finds study
Times of India | 19 June 2025
Kolkata: A series of field observation studies by the Institute of Psychiatry, IPGMER, concluded that a significant number of youngsters in the city are distressed, resulting in mental health issues. This distress is turning them to substances and even making them suicidal due to a lack of emotional support, proper understanding, and guidance at schools, colleges, and at their homes. A significantly large section of students and adolescents are struggling silently, often without knowing how to ask for help, said researchers."Many of them are under immense pressure — mostly from studies, the constant competition to achieve top marks, and the deep fear of falling short. This pressure is often unintentionally reinforced by well-meaning parents who want the best for their children. But what's often overlooked is that these students are still developing emotionally. They're still trying to understand themselves and the world around them, and they don't always have the tools to cope with stress, failure, or rejection," said Mayank Kumar, assistant professor at Institute of Psychiatry, who was part of the research.He added: "We've come to a clear understanding that there is a real need for more support for students in schools and colleges when it comes to their mental and emotional health."Internal suffering is difficult to identify and remains unaddressed in most cases, said psychiatrist Jairanjan Ram. "There is also a stigma attached to mental health issues, and parents and teachers still tend to label them as weakness rather than trying to help. This is indeed a concern, and adolescents must be spoken to more frequently," added Ram.What they need most is not just advice, but kindness, patience, and emotional support—from teachers, parents, and the people around them, said the study. School environments play a vital role and should be safe, free of violence and bullying. "A rigid or overly harsh atmosphere can make students feel alienated. If a teacher only scolds, but never tries to understand, the emotional distance grows. That gap can lead students to disengage and, in some cases, turn to unhealthy coping strategies. When students lack emotional support at home or at school, the likelihood of substance use increases sharply. Higher rates of substance misuse were observed in adolescents reporting family stress or conflict," added Kumar.It's crucial that teachers and parents learn to notice early signs before things escalate, he added. "A student might start missing classes, isolate themselves from friends, or show sudden mood swings. They might lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, experience changes in sleep or eating patterns, or display signs of sadness, anger, or anxiety. Sometimes, there are noticeable changes in appearance or hygiene. When substance use is involved, there may be red eyes, new friends, slurred speech, secrecy, or falling grades."