Suicidal tendency among female students

Afra Anzum Noshin :

According to various news reports, suicidal tendency among women in Bangladesh, especially among the female students, is higher due to their inferior status, illiteracy, and economic dependence on men.

Students in Bangladesh face academic pressure and shortcomings due to societal expectations for academic success, causing students to feel inadequacy and pressure to perform well academically.

Academic success is often seen as the key to a better future, leading students to feel inadequacies and pressure to perform well.

They may face constant comparisons to peers, exacerbate feelings of inadequacy, and struggle with open communication, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

In some cultures, mental health issues are stigmatized, preventing students from seeking help when they need it, fearing judgment or misunderstood.

This can lead to a sense of isolation and loneliness for students.

Being socially inferior is another reason women commit suicide more often. According to the study, published in the Lancet, women are vulnerable due to their lower social position.

Another deadly reason is stalking. Victims of stalking, often face societal shame, which persists despite increased awareness of the severity of the issue.

Misconceptions about victims inviting or provoked the stalking perpetuate the notion that they are responsible for their own victimization.

The fear of being judged, blamed, or not being taken seriously by family, friends, or law enforcement intensifies the emotional burden and can have profound effects on the victim’s mental well-being, exacerbating feelings of isolation and vulnerability.

The fear of societal shame can have profound effects on the victim’s mental well-being, exacerbating their feelings of isolation and vulnerability.

Stalking and societal shame create a vicious cycle of emotional turmoil, leading to suicide attempts.

Victims struggle with reluctance to disclose experiences, intensifying feelings of hopelessness.

This isolation can drive them to break point, seeking suicide as a way to escape the torment and fear of being socially shunned or judged.

However, public awareness campaigns and media platforms can highlight the emotional toll of judgment and encourage empathy.

Short films, articles, and discussions can stimulate conversations that challenge harmful stereotypes and promote a more inclusive culture.

Support from friends, family, and mental health professionals can help individuals overcome societal pressures.

Encouraging open conversations and providing safe spaces for self-expression fosters belonging.

Community organizations can host workshops emphasizing self-worth and mental wellness.

Counselling and therapy are essential for individuals to navigate societal pressures, and prioritize accessible mental health services in communities, offering free or low-cost support.

Educational institutions can promote emotional intelligence and resilience by integrating mental health education into curricula, empowering young minds to constructively cope with stress and societal expectations.

Apart from these, mental health advertising can drive significant change by raising social awareness, promoting empathy, and contributing to community well-being.

By using multiple platforms like Television channels, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, campaigns can engage viewers and spark conversations about mental health.

Interactive elements, such as quizzes and user-generated content, provide an engaging experience and encourage dialogue and action.

Overall, mental health advertising serves as a catalyst for a more compassionate and understanding society.

Lastly, we should develop a healthier mentality among individuals engaging in side talks. This involves promoting empathy, awareness, and positive communication.

Encouraging open discussions about the impact of their actions on others, providing education about the consequences of their behaviour, and fostering a supportive environment can contribute to reducing such behaviours and their negative effects on students’ mental health.

The rise of suicide due to societal pressures highlights the need to change our collective mindset. By embracing individuality, fostering empathy, and nurturing mental wellness, we can create a society that supports rather than stifles.

Raising awareness, establishing support systems, advocating for professional intervention, and promoting education can help reshape the narrative surrounding societal pressures.

Let us work together to ensure that every individual finds the strength to rise above the noise of judgment, recognizing that they are not here to serve society; society is here to uplift them.

(The writer is a second year Law student at London College
of Legal Studies).