India is a fast growing nation with vibrant economy and a survey has revealed that more than 45% of India’s population is youth. While all that sounds so encouraging, here is a fact that might be hard to bite. I am talking about the mindset of the youth, their approach towards life and the result of their actions. To be precise, it is the intent that they have reached the end of the road which is leading them to a rather abstract decision- suicide. While some are jumping the gun to do the unthinkable, my experience has seen many youngsters who are developing strong tendencies.
Many are feeling suicidal and here are few reasons for that. Today’s generation is having settlements at early age, they are acquiring all pleasures at a quick pace and with this, they see no target ahead. Even if they set one target, that is unreachable and impractical. As such, there are two categories for suicide- dysregulated impulse control and propensity to intense psychological pain which is caused due to social isolation or hopelessness. There are also the mood disorders along with specific genetic and neurobiological factors.
The above mentioned factors are affecting the Serotonergic system. Also, there is a drastic variation in the physiology. An erratic behaviour of hormonal ups and downs is being observed in the youngsters these days due to lack of physical work. Without much bodily activity and getting used to the comfort of ACs, activities like few minutes spent in traffic or regular environment, a small altercation with a loved one, a problematic situation tends to drive them impatient leading to ailments and rash decisions.
The other ironical fact which has been on the rise is the youngsters are getting depressed looking at very successful individuals. As such, it could be their school friends, next door neighbours, former colleagues at work and if they tend to reach great heights that becomes an issue. Also, youngsters seeing other youth celebrities like cricketers, actors, models, entrepreneurs find a drastic difference in success feel inferior instead of drawing inspiration. This is making them drift towards alcohol, sex, drugs and this is slowly steering them to suicide during certain situations.
It is about time today’s generation going through a bout of attitude problems and exaggerated self-pride first learns to educate themselves on the value of life and things to be achieved in life. Counselling, meditation and sports helps build a lot of confidence, focus should be more on that. Hope they take this as the lead and start a new life.
- Smitha Vasudev, Bangalore
