‘Students suffering undue stress

Ravinder (15), a resident of Amberpet called the suicide helpline and said he was very stressed due to his exams.He could not concentrate on his studies and suffered blackouts as soon as he sat to write down one. He was suffering from fear of failure said he wanted to end his life. Another caller, Usha Rani, a resident of Nallakunta said she had decided to kill herself unable to face the pressures at college.However, with counselling and a patient ear from the suicide desk staff, both Ravinder and Usha Rani were able to prepare for their final examinations without any tension and depression. The suicide help desk, set up a few years ago has provided a helping hand for those with suicidal tendencies over telephone, e-mail and chat.“The suicide help desk has saved as many as 200 students by counselling. We receive at least 40 calls per week from students complaining about stress and depression. Our work is to ensure the caller’s needs and best interests are kept in mind. We provide free and confidential support with empathy, unconditional acceptance and for the caller to speak about his problems without having to reveal his or her identity,’’ said Aparna Adhikari, manager, suicide help desk.Reportedly, the number of suicidal deaths increase during January to April with students studying various courses facing pressure from their school, college and parents to do well in their exams.For instance, Pranathi, a 19-year-old resident of Borabanda studying in the Indira Priyadarshini College, Nampally committed suicide by consuming Action 500 pills a few days ago. In another incident, Swetha (17), studying Intermediate first year at Gayatri College in Chintal committed suicide by pouring kerosene and setting herself on fire. Police registered cases against the colleges in both cases for putting undue pressure on the students. Aparna Adhikari said at least 75 per cent callers are between the age of 15- 40 years, including mostly students, 20 per cent callers between 41-50 years and 15 per cent in 51-70 age group. Of them, 60 per cent callers were male and 40 per cent female.Students and others suffering from depression, stress and suicide-related crisis can call at 46004600 from 10 a.m to 7 p.m from Monday to Friday or login to www.suicidehelpdesk.org.
By Mouli Mareedu
moulimareedu@gmail.com