In a city that has long been renowned as an educational hub, the recent surge in suicides among students has left the community heartbroken and searching for answers.
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A staggering 22 suicides have been reported in Kota, Rajasthan over the past year, prompting Kareena Mehta, a trauma-informed psychotherapist and the founder of Kare Counselling, to shed light on the complex issue.
Mehta, drawing upon her experience in the field, emphasizes that while initiatives like installing safety grills on ceiling fans and 'anti-suicide nets' on balconies and lobbies are preventative, they address only the surface of the problem. She asserts, "We must recognise that this is not merely a physical safety issue. It's fundamentally about the mental and emotional well-being of India’s youth. Students in Kota are grappling with immense academic pressure, parental expectations, and a lack of emotional support. This is a complex issue that can't be solved with grills on fans and anti-suicide nets alone."
The weight of academic pressure on students has proven burdensome, pushing them relentlessly towards achieving perfection. Mehta emphasizes the need to sensitize parents, educators, and school personnel regarding the effects of this pressure, the importance of mental health and recognizing signs of emotional distress in students.
"The tragic suicides in Kota are symptomatic of a broader societal problem," Mehta remarks. "It's the pressure we place on our students to excel academically at any cost. We need a paradigm shift, prioritizing the mental well-being of students and fostering environments where they feel emotionally supported."
Mehta's call to action extends beyond mere awareness; it involves the need for tangible, lasting changes within India's educational system. She strongly advocates for the inclusion of social-emotional learning (SEL) in school curricula, recognizing its potential to equip students with essential life skills such as self-awareness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. "In addition to SEL," Mehta asserts, "it's crucial to conduct psychological evaluations as a standard practice in academic institutions. This enables early identification of mental health issues and ensures timely support for struggling students." She further highlights the importance of "having a mental health counselor on campus, to establish a support network within schools that extends beyond academic concerns."
As Kota grapples with the distressing surge in student suicides, Kareena Mehta’s voice carries a poignant message: preventing these tragedies requires more than just physical measures. It demands a shift in mindset, an acknowledgment of the profound impact of academic pressure, and a commitment to fostering emotional well-being. It's a plea to sensitize parents, teachers, and students alike, emphasizing the pressing need to prioritize mental health in our educational institutions.
The recent tragedies in Kota serve as a stark reminder that the mental health of our youth is a matter of utmost importance. As this community grapples with its grief, it is also presented with an opportunity to make substantial changes in how it cares for its students. It is a call to action, reminding us that the safety and well-being of our children extend far beyond the grills on ceiling fans.
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