Exam stress drives spike in suicide helpline calls across Hyd

Hyderabad: Mental health helplines in Hyderabad, including the govt's TeleMANAS and private organisations such as 1Life and the Roshni Foundation, have received hundreds of suicide-related calls this year.

Data indicates that these calls peaked over a five-month period from February to June, a time doctors identify as particularly stressful as students face exams.

During this period, the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), Erragadda, received 250 such calls, averaging nearly two per day. In comparison, city-based 1Life handled around 2,000 calls, about 13 daily, while the Roshni Foundation recorded approximately 3,000 suicide-related calls, nearly 20 per day.

Doctors attribute the surge in distress calls primarily to exam-related stress among students. Dr Sumana Reddy Gundam, consultant psychiatrist at IMH, explained, "Most students are anxious about their exam results, which affects their confidence. Many of them say they do not feel comfortable discussing their concerns with their parents, which is why they reach out to the helpline." She added that the TeleMANAS helpline numbers have been shared with intermediate education boards in schools and colleges.

In April this year, seven students across Telangana died by suicide within 24 hours of the Telangana State Board of Intermediate Education (TSBIE) announcing the first and second-year intermediate examination results. The students, aged between 16 and 17, were from various districts including Hyderabad, Bhongir, Peddapalli, and Mancherial.

Rebecca Maria, counselling psychologist at 1Life, shared that many students cite high parental expectations as a key stressor. "We receive around 18,000 to 20,000 distress calls annually, of which about 3,000 are suicide-related. There is a significant spike in calls from students during February, March, and April, with continued distress into June and July as many grapple with career uncertainties and seek guidance," she said.

Swarna Raju, director of the Roshni Foundation, noted that suicidal thoughts among students often stem from a mix of high self-expectations, peer pressure, and parental demands. "These feelings often arise suddenly, especially when students don't secure a place in their desired college and struggle to come to terms with that reality," she added.

Doctors and psychologists emphasise that suicide is a cry for help, not a solution. "We advise students to communicate openly and be aware of their emotions, as it's easy to spiral into negativity. Family members should be the first point of contact, but if students don't feel comfortable, they can reach out to helplines. Talking and venting helps to lighten the emotional burden," said Raju.

GFX:

Suicide prevention for students:

- Train staff and students to identify warning signs of suicidal thoughts

- Encourage open communication

- Mandatory parental and community involvement

- Early intervention

- Reduce stigma around mental health

- Promote helplines and online support platforms.

Helplines:

- TeleMANAS - 14416

- 1Life - 7893078930

- Roshni Foundation - 8142020033 / 8142020044

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