New wing in GHs to help students with depression

A senior doctor at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH) said that the new initiative was aimed at protecting the mental health status of younger generation. “The service will provide counselling and nedical advices through the 104 call centre and will jointly work with NGOs to guide the targeted section in fighting stress and wiping out suicidal tendencies.” 

Recalling the various students suicide cases in the state in recent past, the doctor said, “After NEET for medical seats became mandatory, some serious cases of suicides and attempt to suicide were reported.” 

It may be noted that Tamil Nadu was the second state in highest number of student suicides with 981 cases reported in 2016. “Suicides among students are attributed to depression, academic pressure, family expectations, inability to cope with stress, social isolation and substance abuse,” said counsellor P Nilam.

“Institutions, teachers, parents and the society are constantly emphasising on academic excellence as a means to determine the worth of a child.

This created severe pressure on the children and in case a child faces failure, his or her entire self-esteem crumbles and that is when he or she starts slipping into depression. This triggers suicidal thoughts in children,” she explained, adding, “In many cases, the fear of failure itself leads to suicidal thoughts among students.”  

While all government hospitals in the state have a separate wing for mental health, this helpline facility will be introduced –at government medical college hospitals to start with, followed by Government Hospitals and eventually at all taluk hospitals – in a phased manner. “Specialists and paramedic forces will be appointed in all hospitals for this service. Besides keeping a check on the cases of suicides reported in each district, this service will offer counselling to students suffering from depression,” said Health Minister Dr C Vijaya Baskar.