Student Suicides in Kerala Surge 50% in a Decade: A Growing Mental Health Crisis
In Kerala, student suicides have shot up by almost 50% over the last 10 years, sparking serious worries about the mental health of school kids. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for better support in schools and homes.
Recent data shared in the Kerala State Assembly paints a grim picture. From January 2021 to March 2025, the state saw a total of 39,962 suicides. The numbers kept rising sharply—from 6,227 in 2021 to 10,994 in 2023. While not every case involves students, the overall spike mirrors a bigger problem across India. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 13,044 students died by suicide in India in 2022, barely down from the year before.
Some districts in Kerala are hit harder than others. Take Kozhikode, for example—it reported a heartbreaking 53 student suicides in the 2022-23 school year alone. Psychologists say many of these tragedies could have been prevented with quick counseling and strong school support systems. "Early help makes all the difference," one expert notes.
The story of 14-year-old Ashirnanda, a Class IX student from Sreekrishnapuram in Palakkad, brings the stats to life. She ended her life at home after facing repeated ridicule from teachers. Ashirnanda left behind her unfinished drawings and a brand-new school record book. Her parents, Prashanth and Sajitha, are still fighting for justice. "She was a bright girl full of dreams, but the constant humiliation crushed her," her father shared sadly.
Kerala’s government is stepping up to tackle this student mental health crisis. They’ve launched a program to train 3,000 teachers as mental health counselors. This will let schools offer immediate help right on the front lines. Education Minister V. Sivankutty explained, "Trained teachers can spot early signs of stress, provide basic counseling, and link kids to professional help when needed."
Why is this happening? Experts point to heavy academic pressure, social challenges, unstable family situations, and the fact that young people’s mental health needs aren’t being met properly. The rise in student suicides in India ties into these issues too.
But challenges remain. Most schools in Kerala still don’t have professional counselors, and current programs suffer from poor coordination and weak referral systems. Child rights activists are calling for more accountability, especially in cases of harassment. "Delivering justice for kids like Ashirnanda is crucial, but we also need strong safeguards so no child feels alone or shamed," one activist emphasized.
As Kerala pushes forward with these initiatives, the hope is that better mental health support in schools can turn the tide on this heartbreaking trend. Parents, teachers, and communities must all play a role to protect the next generation.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
