Many medical students under stress

• According to a National Medical Commission(NMC) response to a Right to Information(RTI) request, 64 MBBS and 55 postgraduate medicos committed suicide in the previous five years.

Data and fact

• Around 2.5 times as many doctors commit suicide as the general population.
• A study found that 358 suicide deaths among doctors (128), residents (105), and medical students (125) occurred between 2010 and 2019. Seven out of ten suicides occurred before the age of thirty.
• At the time of suicide, female residents and doctors were younger than their male colleagues.
• Academic stress among medical students (45.2%), residents (23.1%), and doctors (26.7%) was a significant factor in suicide, according to the data.
• Medical students (24%) and doctors (20%) cited mental illness as their second most frequent reason, while residents (20.5%) cited harassment.
• The NMC, India's top governing body for medical education, requested late in 2022 that all medical colleges in the nation record information on suicides due to concerns regarding occurrences of suicide and suicidal ideation among medical students.
• The biggest burden is felt in low- and middle-income nations, where suicide and self-harm are major health and societal issues.

Reason for the suicide

• The transition to college occurs at a crucial developmental phase marked by individuation and family separation, the formation of new social connections, and an increase in autonomy and responsibility. At the same time, the brain is growing quickly and is more sensitive than usual to risk factors that university students frequently experience, including as psychosocial stressors, recreational substances, binge drinking, and sleep disruption
• The problem of suicide is complex and multifaceted. Some of the challenges that student doctors face include the demanding 24-hour shifts, irregular work schedules, separation from family, hostile work environment, unsupportive management, lack of sleep, financial difficulties, exam stress, occasionally inhumane ragging, and discrimination based on caste and regionalism.

Government initiative

• An anti-ragging committee was established by the National Medical Commission (NMC) in 2022 to address complaints brought forth by anti-ragging committees of various medical colleges. To discuss the ragging complaints and conduct an impartial investigation, the members were told to convene once a month.
• Mental Healthcare Act, 2017:The Mental Health Act of 1987 was repealed by this law, which was approved in 2017 and went into force in May 2018. Suicide attempts were made legal in India because to this law. In the classification of mental diseases, it included WHO guidelines. Finally, it introduced efforts to combat stigma in Indian society by restricting and banning the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
• Initiative under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is called Manodarpan. It strives to give students psychological and social support for their mental health and wellbeing.
• National Plan for Suicide Prevention: A National Suicide Prevention Plan was just made public by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. In order to reduce suicide mortality by 10% by 2030, the suicide prevention policy includes multi-sectoral partnerships and time-bound action plans.

Global step to prevent suicide

• World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD):The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the WHO founded World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), which is observed annually on September 10th. It brings the problem into sharp focus, lessens stigma, and increases public and governmental knowledge while sending a clear message that suicide can be avoided.
• The WSPD's triennial theme from 2021 to 2023 is "Creating hope through action." This theme serves as a reminder that there are alternatives to suicide and tries to give each of us hope and brightness.
• Every year on October 10th, the world observes World Mental Health Day. The main goals of World Mental Health Day are to increase public awareness of global mental health challenges and to organise support for mental health.
• The topic of World Mental Health Day in 2022 is "Making Mental Health & Well-Being for Everyone a Global Priority."

Step to be focus

• Suicides can be avoided by ensuring that students have access to counselling, support groups, and other mental health services and resources.
• Also, teachers, employees, and students at schools and colleges must receive training in mental health first aid.
• Open discussions regarding suicide and mental illness must be encouraged in order to foster positive attitudes towards seeking help and maintaining mental health.
• Educational institutions may foster a welcoming and accepting environment that supports students in achieving academic and emotional success while also playing a significant role in avoiding suicides by adopting a comprehensive approach to personality development.
• By giving students at educational centres a healthy outlet for their stress and emotions while also boosting their self-esteem and confidence, sports can help prevent suicides.