Mon Mar 03 19:34:38 UTC 2025: ## NIMHANS Study Reveals Alarmingly High Suicide Rates Among Indian College Students

**Bengaluru, March 4, 2025** – A new study by researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru, in collaboration with international colleagues, has revealed alarmingly high rates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among Indian college students. The multi-state study, published in the *Journal of Affective Disorders Reports*, found that 12.3% of the 8,542 students surveyed reported suicidal thoughts in the past year, and 5.2% reported attempting suicide.

The research, conducted between February and September 2019 across nine states, utilized a self-administered questionnaire assessing various factors contributing to suicidal behaviours. The study highlighted several risk factors, including younger age, divorce or widowhood, bisexuality, tobacco use, stressful life events, and high anxiety levels. Conversely, strong social support was associated with a lower likelihood of suicidal ideation.

Among those reporting suicidal ideation, a significant percentage (34.8%) had also attempted suicide. Additional risk factors for suicide attempts included poor family relationships, frequent alcohol consumption, cannabis use, exposure to suicidal behaviour in others, and self-harm.

Dr. Anish V. Cherian, lead researcher and Additional Professor of Psychiatric Social Work at NIMHANS, emphasized the crucial role of family relationships and social support in preventing suicidal ideation and attempts. He stressed the need for public health interventions focusing on strengthening social support, addressing family dynamics, and implementing harm reduction strategies for substance abuse. The study also noted the potential impact of commencing college before the age of 18.

The international collaboration involved researchers from Australia, the United Kingdom, and several Indian states. The findings underscore the urgent need for suicide prevention programs in Indian educational institutions.

**(Those in distress or with suicidal tendencies can contact Arogya Sahayavani at 104 for help.)**

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