March proves to be a particularly stressful month, marking the end of both the financial and academic years. This peak period sees a significant increase in distress calls to the Jeevan Aastha Suicide Prevention Helpline, primarily from students and individuals facing financial difficulties.
This year, March and April were particularly challenging. The stock market fluctuated while students faced the pressures of Class 10 and 12 board exams. Helpline data shows a twofold increase in financial distress calls, rising from around 40 monthly calls to nearly 80 during the 20 days leading up to and during the exams. In total, approximately 4,000 anxious students across Gujarat sought help. With results day nearing, the helpline anticipates another surge in distress calls.
Timely intervention
According to Asha Patel, the Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) running the helpline Said, about a heart-stopping case. “A caller stood on a bridge with his wife and child when he phoned us, crushed by financial despair. We quickly tracked his location and rushed to step in. We managed to save the family and offer them counselling.”
In another instance, a city-based Class 10 student overwhelmed by exam stress confided her suicidal thoughts to the helpline. “A police team quickly went to her home,” said PSI Patel. “After counselling, she found courage to sit for exams.”
Similarly, a Class 12 student from Anand felt unprepared and thought about skipping his exams altogether.
Counsellors also stress that financial distress cases require urgent attention. “We must act quickly because money troubles sometimes lead to entire families attempting suicide together,” a counsellor explained. PSI Patel added that they reassure callers that no financial crisis lasts forever.
5 ways to manage results-related anxiety
- Trust yourself and look back on past successes.
- Get enough rest – a fresh mind keeps negativity at bay.
- Stay away from discouraging people and thoughts.
- Speak openly with parents and teachers about stress and worries.
- Unwind with music or prayers to calm your mind and sharpen your focus.