The New Epidemic: Fear of failure
“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure."
-The Alchemist(Paulo Coehlo)
Why this discussion?
The recent news headlines about students are disturbing.
Three students (one JEE and two NEET aspirants) committed suicide in a span of 10 days in the coaching hub of Kota (Aug. 29, 2023)
(Delhi News | Press Trust of India | Saturday, September 2, 2023)
This is the second incident in IIT-D in the last few months.
Growing Concern
These distressing headlines highlight a growing concern: the increasing number of young individuals giving up on life. The loss of a promising young life to suicide is a devastating experience, leaving family and friends feeling helpless and hopeless. We struggle to comprehend the emotional turmoil these young individuals must have endured before taking such a drastic step.
However, in such critical times, it is essential to hold onto hope and remember that there are reasons to keep fighting.
These moments remind me of the inspiring words of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam:
"If you fail, never give up because F.A.I.L. means
'First Attempt In Learning.'
End is not the end, in fact,
E.N.D. means 'Effort Never Dies.'
If you get No as an answer, remember
N.O. means 'Next Opportunity.
' So let's be positive."
These words remind us that, no matter what difficulties we face, we should never give up because there is always a reason to persevere.
Alarm bells
In recent years, suicide has become a significant cause of death among youngsters worldwide. This age group is the most vulnerable, and preventive measures need to be taken with the utmost sensitivity. Youth are now the group most at risk in one-third of developed and developing nations due to the sharp rise in suicide rates within this age group.
In India, suicide has become the fourth leading cause of death among youth. It is an alarming issue in our country, where 65 per cent of the population is under 35 years of age. It is one of the leading causes of fatalities. To make matters worse, the numbers are astonishing when it concerns students.
Reality Vs spirations
Our youth, whether students or not, possess immense untapped potential. They are challenging adults in the workplace and making strides in every field. They are breaking records and writing new success stories. But their potentials are different, as are the outcomes. Consequently, many among them are struggling with trauma, depression, and anxiety due to various career-related issues. They are always worried about their future and social status. Everyone has big aspirations, and when reality gives them a check, they give in.
In this article, I will try to explore the reasons for students’ distress.
Understanding the Extreme Step in Students
It is high time we wake up and try to understand why our students are taking such extreme steps. While the need to study hard for a secure future is often emphasized, various socio-economic, cultural, and psychological factors also influence their thought process. The high-pressure environment in coveted higher education institutions escalates students' anxiety to such a level that they find themselves trapped. When a person is emotionally and psychologically low and feels helpless, death sometimes appears to be the only alternative. So they contemplate drastic measures, such as suicide.
Causes of Student Suicides
India, the world's most populous country, ironically has one of the highest rates of suicide among people between the ages of 14 and 30. Academic stress is the major cause attributed to this, extending beyond school and college to include society at large.
The pressure to excel academically, secure top grades, and receive top job offers can lead to extreme mental, physical, and psychological stress. Any kind of stress can lead to dire consequences.
According to NCRB data around 35 students commit suicide per day.
Understanding Stress in Students
Stress in students is a common and significant issue that can deeply impact their physical and mental well-being, as well as their academic performance. Several factors contribute to stress in students. They are constantly exposed to social media, academic pressures, peer and parental expectations, and more.
45% of students in high school admit to being stressed almost every day in school. 61% of teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 feel stress over producing satisfactory grades.
Major contributing factors include:
Academic Pressure: High expectations from parents, teachers, and peers create immense pressure on students to perform well academically. Their academic performance is linked with their future employment opportunities and social standing. This pressure often leads to stress, especially during exams and important assignments. And when the students succumb to this pressure it can have drastic consequences.
Peer Pressure: Students face peer pressure to conform to social norms, whether it's related to physical appearance, behaviour, or lifestyle choices. It subsequently leads to anxiety and stress, especially related to materialistic goals.
Pressure to compete: The recent suicides were a result of the pressure of performance in competitive exams to secure a seat in the best courses. The pressure to perform in competitive exams to secure coveted seats in top colleges and universities puts a lot of strain on them and significantly impacts students' mental health.
Over expectations or Performance Anxiety: Students may experience anxiety and stress related to their academic performance, sports or other extracurricular activities. Very often parents and students prioritise competitions and academics, over their interests and passions. This overwhelming pressure to achieve well in school ignores a comprehensive approach to learning.
Ragging and Cyberbullying: Ragging refers to the interactions between new juniors and seniors in an institution. The seniors make their juniors do errands for them, ask them to do some unusual tasks and sometimes make fun of them. Ragging has evolved into cyberbullying, resulting in emotional breakdowns, low self-esteem, and, tragically, suicide.
Time Management: With so many things to do simultaneously, balancing coursework, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and social life is becoming challenging. Poor time management skills often lead to students feeling overwhelmed and stressed due to their busy schedules.
Financial Concerns: Education has become highly expensive nowadays. Many students worry about the cost of education, student loans, and the financial burden on their families.
In some cases, socioeconomic issues, like poverty, inequality, and social standing, play significant roles in their educational prospects and career advancements. Sometimes the students experience bias and discrimination due to the same.
Health and Well-being: Due to being engaged in a number of activities the students suffer from lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and a sedentary lifestyle, which affects their physical and mental health negatively, making them more susceptible to stress.
Mental Health and stigma: Conditions like anxiety and depression are prevalent among students and can exacerbate stress. The stigma surrounding mental health issues makes it difficult for students to seek help.
Loneliness, Social Isolation: Loneliness and a lack of a strong support system further contribute to stress. With the increase in online ways of learning and social platforms, they rarely interact physically with their friends. It has led to loneliness.
Also, the busy schedules of parents miss the warning signals of isolation. The youngsters experience a sense of emotional deprivation and neglect, combined with their feeling of being abandoned and forgotten.
Future Uncertainty: Concerns about career prospects, finding a job after graduation, and uncertainty about the future can create significant stress for students.
Family Issues, Family Support and Forced Career Choices: Family problems, such as conflicts or illness, become a source of stress for students. These issues affect their ability to focus on their studies.
Additionally, while making educational choices, the parents decide the course ignoring the interest of their child. They opt for professions which are considered more prestigious or socially acceptable.
Many incidences of student suicide in recent years have been related to the anxiety and stress of being compelled to make a professional decision. Students who don’t live up to their family's or society’s expectations may feel like failures, leading to melancholy and feelings of futility.
The whole discussion so far is on the reasons for stress in students and its consequences. We are aware of the fact that stress affects the physical, mental and social well-being of a person. Students are at a very critical age and they need to be handled and guided with utmost care and affection.
Addressing the Issue
To address and manage stress in students, educational institutions must implement various strategies:
i. Mental Health Support: All institutions must offer counselling services and promote awareness of mental health resources on campus. “The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has provisions for counselling systems for handling stress and emotional issues of the students by institutions.
ii. Time Management Workshops: Teach students effective time management and study skills to help them balance their academic and personal lives.
iii. Peer Support Programs: Encourage students to seek support from peers and create a sense of community.
iv. Physical Well-being: Promote healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.
v. Stress Reduction Techniques: Teach students relaxation and stress-reduction techniques, such as mindfulness and meditation.
vi. Academic Support: Provide tutoring and academic advising to help struggling students.
vii. Financial Aid and Advising: Offer resources and guidance on financial matters.
viii. Parent and Family Involvement: Encourage parents to be supportive without adding undue pressure.
ix. Reducing Academic Pressure: Implement fair grading practices, and encourage a balanced approach to academics and extracurricular activities.
x. Foster a Positive Learning Environment: Create a supportive and inclusive academic culture that emphasizes learning over competition.
My take:
It's essential to recognize that some level of stress is normal and can even be motivating. However, when stress becomes overwhelming and chronic, it can have detrimental effects on students' well-being. Early identification and appropriate interventions are essential to help students manage and cope with stress effectively.
Higher education student suicides in India and around the world have become a serious social problem. Numerous interconnected issues and factors contribute to these tragedies. While the reasons behind these suicides are complex, it is crucial to understand that suicide is not a practical solution.
It not only destroys the life of the individual but also leaves a profound impact on families, educational institutions, and society as a whole.
Support is available, and there is no need to fear stigma. Life coaches, counsellors, psychologists, and friends are more than willing to assist those in pain. Each person is born with unique talents, aptitudes, and abilities, and it's important to remember that. Pushing students to meet unrealistic expectations can lead to academic pressure, contributing to student suicides.
Parents play a vital role in shaping their children's futures and should encourage them to pursue their interests and passions rather than imposing their own aspirations on them.
In conclusion, addressing the issue of student suicides requires a comprehensive and sensitive approach. It's time to recognize the signs of stress and provide the support and resources needed to help students cope with the pressures of modern education and society. Our youth, the most promising and vibrant segment of society, deserve every opportunity to thrive and succeed without the burden of fear and despair.
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