Why have so many young people lost hope?

Addressing youth suicide requires an intersectional and cross-institutional response. Countries need to step up and do their part.

Weathering the storm of living is hard. But it is often harder for young people in an increasingly changing world.

Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among people agd between 15-29 across the world.

There has been a rise in cases of suicide among young people in low and middle-income countries  because of family issues and disputes, academic stress, undiagnosed mental health issues, poverty, gender-based violence and technology use.

The pressure to achieve academic excellence has long sparked a mental health crisis among students across Asia, in countries like India, China, Hong-Kong and South Korea.

In India, youth suicide rates surge when the higher secondary board examination marks and entrance test results for India’s medical and engineering colleges are declared.

The advent of the smartphone has changed the way we live, work and socialise. The problems are more immediate among young people, accentuating loneliness, enabling trolling and abuse and driving addictive behaviour.

Recent studies have established a correlation between smartphone usee and suicidal thoughts in teens and young adults.

There is unprecedented stress on today’s young people to be their best selves in their private and public. Children must be provided the resources to live their lives in environments that are stress-free, affirmative and nurturing.

The good news is this is all preventable.

Even as countries strengthen their mental health laws to account for the psychological care of children and adolescents, it is becoming increasingly clear that addressing youth suicide requires an intersectional and cross-institutional response.

In this series of articles, experts explore the main drivers of suicide and suicidal thoughts and how young people can be better protected, heard, valued and supported to prevent the loss of precious lives.