How to find a way out of hopelessness – a psychologist’s guide

A 20-year-old student from Guna, Madhya Pradesh, who moved to Kota in May last year to prepare for the Common Entrance Examination (Engineering Entrance Examination), died by suicide on Wednesday in his room. This shocking incident comes just a day after another JEE aspirant, a 19-year-old boy from Mahendragarh in Haryana, was found hanging in his hostel room.

Guna’s disciple left a note that read: “I cannot study. I am preparing for JEE exams but it is beyond me. Sorry.”

Every year, over 200,000 students reach Kota to get coaching to crack competitive exams. However, over the years, there has been a spate of suicides at the coaching center – 16 in 2024 and 26 in 2023, according to an NDTV report – raising concerns about the pressure students face.

District officials reportedly attribute the decline in student suicides in 2023-2024 to their direct intervention and supervision this year, which saw rigorous implementation of protocols and guidelines for coaching centers and shelters, as well as several additional initiatives to ensure a stress-free academic environment. environment.

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According to A test published in the Odisha Journal of Psychiatry, students come to Kota from various places across the country, away from their families and direct support. “It is important to make students and their families aware of the availability of online mental health support facilities (Tele-Manas services) and online consultation portals (e-Sanjeevani) developed by the Government of India, where students can avail mental health support at their doorstep.” – states the report of scientists from the Department of Psychiatry, King George’s Medical University in Lucknow.

Insha Jagirdarpsychologist and excellent pedagogical advisor with whom he talked ABP live how parents, friends and teachers can rally around worried students preparing for challenging competitions while away from home. She also talked about how students can stay healthy and avoid tragedies that destroy their families forever.

ABP: Why do some students who are eager to take up difficult courses like IIT-JEE preparation commit suicide?

Insha Jagirdar: Most of these students are conditioned to believe that clearing exams like IIT-JEE is the only path to success in life. This belief is further reinforced by rigorous advertising by coaching centers that sell these dreams to the gullible minds of students. However, the preparations can be overwhelming. Students cannot accept defeat and commit suicide.

ABP: How can parents who are away from school know or monitor a student’s well-being?

Insha Jagirdar: Parents should regularly contact students by telephone and maintain a friendly relationship with them. They should make sure they discuss topics other than studies. They should encourage the student to share any problems he or she may be struggling with and assure the child that they will support him or her in any situation.

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ABP: How can friends or other students help each other look after each other’s well-being?

Insha Jagirdar: Students should try to spend time together and share their problems so that they feel heard. They can also try to help each other with topics they are struggling with. They can spend time in recreational activities.

ABP: How to overcome exam stress? Can you share some tips for students with learning difficulties?

Insha Jagirdar: Bright. There are a few practical steps you can take to achieve this.

1. Practice meditation and exercise regularly.
2. Spend at least an hour every day on a hobby or non-academic activity.
3. Don’t treat the exam as your last chance to achieve success in life.
4. Make sure you get enough sleep.
5. Prepare a schedule and stick to it.
6. Add regular breaks to your schedule.
7. Set realistic goals.
8. Focus on one task at a time.

To students who feel overwhelmed and find themselves on edge as failure or the fear of failure stares them in the face, there is something they need to hear and understand: Remember that your value is much greater than any exam result. This moment of pain will pass and you will have the strength to rebuild and thrive. Don’t forget that you are loved, needed and capable of creating a better future. Don’t let this temporary setback steal the countless opportunities that lie ahead of you.

The author is a senior freelance journalist.

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