We aim to make a film, CHOOSE LIFE on raising awareness to seek help on mental health issues for young people struggling with academic and emotional issues.
Background
India has the demographic advantage of a huge population of young people, but it is also a fact that they are a highly distressed lot.
India’s education system is known for its rigorous standards and high expectations. Prestigious institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) are highly sought after by students. Admission to these institutions typically requires success in competitive exams like the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) for engineering and the National Eligibility-cum Entrance Test (NEET) for medical school, promising secure careers and bright futures. The competition is fierce.
In 2024, over 1.22 million students registered for JEE Mains, with approximately 1.17 million appearing for the exam. Similarly, NEET attracts over 14 lakh candidates each year. Preparation often begins at a young age, with students as young as 14-15 years enrolling in coaching institutes. Kota, Rajasthan, a major coaching hub, draws over 2 lakh students annually. The pressure to succeed is immense, driven by high expectations from families and intense peer competition.
This environment leaves little room for other interests or hobbies, leading to significant mental health issues among students. The failure to meet these high expectations often results in feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), in 2020, a student took their own life every 42 minutes, equating to more than 34 student suicides each day. Over the past decade, there has been a 70% increase in student suicides. Since 2012, there has been an increase in student suicide cases by 2.3% in India every year. Kota alone witnessed 29 student suicides in 2023, with most cases involving students under 18 from low-income families. Four out of 10 students in Kota struggle with mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and stress.
Additionally, the demanding curriculum in prestigious institutions exacerbates stress, leading to high dropout rates and additional suicides. Between 2019 and 2023, 98 student suicides were reported in top central institutions like IITs and NITs.33,979 students dropped out of these institutes in the same period. IITs have chronically 34% higher suicide death rate compared to other colleges in India. The problems are not limited to academics alone. Every day, we hear of suicides within these prestigious institutions as well. Keeping up with peer pressure, issues of ragging, dealing with social issues of caste compatibility, relationships with other students, social media, all of this act up as issues tormenting fragile minds. Lack of employment opportunities and dealing with toxic workplaces once employed further more challenge our young people. Our demographic dividend is weak. As a caring community, we need to provide support systems, create an eco-system where young people are encouraged to CHOOSE LIFE.
Need for awareness
Despite these alarming statistics, there is still a lack of awareness and support for mental health issues amongst the community. The stigma associated with mental health prevents many from seeking help. The efforts taken by authorities and institutions are half-hearted. There are no/insufficient proactive efforts taken towards alleviating stress experienced by students. Our film aims to shed light on these critical issues, promoting awareness and encouraging a supportive environment.
Goals
- Raise Awareness: Educate students, parents, and educators about the mental health issues associated with academic pressure.
- Encourage Support: Promote a supportive environment that encourages young people to seek help and open up about their struggles.
- Reduce Stigma: Address the stigma surrounding mental health issues, making it easier for young people to discuss and manage their mental well-being. Foster a culture of understanding and empathy among educators, parents, and peers.
Outcomes
- Increased awareness of mental health issues and encouraging help-seeking behavior
- Enhanced peer support and learning of coping strategies to balance life and mental health.
- Parents being more aware of the pressures their young people face and the potential mental health implications. Encourage parents to have open and supportive conversations with their young adults about their mental health and well-being.
- Educators and coaching institute staff will gain insights into the mental health challenges faced by students, helping them to recognize and address these issues more effectively.
- Promoting a more empathetic and supportive approach to student mental health by academic institutions.
The film aims to highlight the significant mental health challenges faced by students in India. It will help to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, encourage more open and honest discussions about mental health in all areas of society, and promote understanding, support, and empathy. The alarming statistics of student suicides underscore the urgent need for this project. By contributing to this initiative, you will help produce a high-quality film that educates and inspires students to seek help and prioritize their mental health. It will also encourage a supportive environment among parents, educators, and institutions.
Your support will make a difference. Together, we can support and help young people “CHOOSE LIFE”
