Disturbing phenomenon of suicides in country

Somajiguda: According to latest statistics, the two Telugu speaking states account for 13.5% suicide cases in India. Youngsters, especially adolescents are ending their lives for flimsy reasons,saidDr Keshava Rao, President, Indian Psychiatric Society here on Thursday. He was speaking at a one-day conference on 'Prevention of suicides in students – long term approach'.

Responding on the recent suicides by the intermediate students, Dr D Keshav Rao,the president of Telangana state branch of Indian Psychiatric Society,said that there was an utmost need to create awareness in the society, analysing the stress among students."More than 10,000 children attempting suicide per annum is not a simple issue, it's time to talk on the things how we are pressuring students for marks and ranks."

He also opined that students committing suicides are mostly in the age group 15-25. He urged parents to counsel children from the beginning in regards of merits stating every grade is acceptable."It's time to teach students about the acceptance and the creating their strength to face challenges" said Dr Keshava Rao.

Students are so stressed about ranks and marks that even a slight difference in their expectations is leading them to take the fatal decision. They need to be counseled, according to Dr Prasad Rao, former president of Indian Psychiatric Society.

He stressed that parents and educational institutions teach children how to face challenges in life. Suggestion of adding a subject on how to face challenges in life had may takers in the conference.

Dr Korada, the lead speaker on suicides, urged media to promote positivity, media plays prominent role and the impact of media on teenagersis huge. He said the media should encourage success stories. It's time for prevention of suicides.

In South India there have been quite a number of suicides, he added. Dr Pariplavi, Dr Umashankar,Dr Dilip Kumar, Prof K Nageshwar, Dr Saibaba Goud and others spoke at the conference.