Colleges take counsellors' help to check suicides

MYSORE: Keeping a check on the rising number of suicides among students has become a challenge for colleges in the city. In the present academic year (2012-13), more than 10 students have ended their lives, while the number of those who attempted suicide is more than that.
Various factors contribute to suicidal tendency among students -- expectations form parents, academic pressure, stress, peer pressure, inferiority complex, and the like.
JSS College for Women (JSSCW), which witnessed two of its students ending lives, is taking the services of part-time counsellers. Counsellor Anju Annie Eapen has been approached by about 25 students in a month, though she is available at college twice a week (Tuesday and Thursday). Her cellphone number has also been given to the students to tackle emergencies.
JSSCW principal N P Padaki told TOI: "It's been three months that the counsellor is helping our students. She has spoken to all our students at their classes."
The ending of lives by three students of Maharani's College of Arts and Commerce in a month made the college authorities sit up and take notice. They invited psychiatrists once in a month to address 5,300 students. The department of psychology also holds sessions for students needing help.
"Inferiority complex, insecurity and inability to face challenges often cause suicidal tendency among students. Unfortunately, those who have committed suicide had never approached us for help," said psychology professor Manornami M S.
National Institute of Engineering has one counsellor for every 20 students. Principal G L Shekhar said: "Generally, students who join engineering at the behest of parents usually take the extreme step. I personally speak to students once in a while."
Mysore police have also set up helpline '105' to attend to distress calls. Expert advice is given to the callers, who usually comprise SSLC and PU students. The helpline receives about five calls everyday during exam.
According to counsellers, the onus is on students to approach them. "Those suffering from depression, anxiety, loneliness and other problems should seek expert advice. Venting out such feelings will help them to a great extent," they added.