suicide alert, especially among young people

According to the WHO, about three thousand people take their lives every year in the country. A large part are young students between 12 and 25 years old, who suffer from stress, anxiety and isolation. The social stigma towards mental health care and the absence of professionals and safe listening spaces in schools take their toll. Psychologists: “There is a need for awareness programs that involve the entire community.”

Colombo () – Sri Lanka has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. Despite having decreased in recent years, the phenomenon continues to be worrying, especially among young people between 12 and 25 years old. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 3,000 Sinhalese die by suicide each year and many more attempt it. A considerable proportion are students unable to cope with stress, isolation and pessimism.

In recent weeks there has been a spate of student suicides, especially in Colombo and its suburbs. Episodes that have highlighted the seriousness of the crisis, sparking debates and calls for rapid action, including the need for systemic changes at the political level to address the problem. One of the causes identified is the lack of attention to mental health, a stigmatized issue, especially in educational settings. Schools are not equipped to address their complexity and, in most cases, these issues are barely talked about. Many students are reluctant to express their problems and their discomfort remains hidden until it becomes unsustainable. Most schools consider psychological problems to be minor and do not offer help to students.

In Sri Lanka’s main hospitals, however, mental health services are offered, especially for depressive disorders, psychoactive substance disorders and schizophrenia. However, many young people tend to avoid seeking treatment due to social stigma. Experts believe that mental health problems in young people should be recognized and treated as a specific illness, distinct from those affecting adults, with special attention paid to them.

Psychologists Nadeera Kalupahana and Udaya Siritunga explain to that “to stop the increase in student suicides, it is necessary to provide psychological assistance in schools, where students can talk about their emotional and psychological difficulties freely and confidentially. “The presence of professional mental health counselors and psychologists in educational centers to help students cope with stress and anxiety would help this process.” “Psychological awareness programs should be organized with the participation of parents and communities, offering highly specialized and expert-led psychological services to safeguard the safety and well-being of students.”

In recent years, the two scholars have collected data on those who have survived suicide attempts, providing much insight into the psychological processes that lead to these fatal decisions. “The majority of these suicide attempts by minors were impulsive and sudden decisions, requests for help rather than a genuine desire to end their lives,” point out Nadeera and Udaya. Some of them regretted their actions and are glad to have survived. “Although clinical conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders are increasingly common among young people, in most cases suicide ideation is a last resort due to lack of early attention or clinical treatment, such as therapy or medication if necessary.

University professors Lilantha Malalasekara and Dushni Weerasinghe believe that “research on the topic suggests multidisciplinary collaborations, community engagement and the use of media for suicide prevention.” As well as “responsible storytelling, instead of promoting sensational news, that includes greater participation by young people in recreational, sporting or artistic activities.” It is also necessary to train teachers in the prevention, evaluation, management and monitoring of anyone affected by suicidal behavior. “There is also a need to promote systematic and fundamental changes in governance and policies to save the lives of Sri Lankan students.”