Ahead of World Mental Health Day 2023, India's Union Ministry of Education (MoE) released a set of guidelines for schools to help prevent suicide among students. The guidelines are titled UMMEED an acronym for Understand, Motivate, Manage, Empathise, Empower, Develop. These guidelines are in line with this year's theme of 'Mental Health Is A Universal Human Right,' as the central government is laying emphasis on recognising the effects of academic pressure and competition among students.
UMMEED: Suicide Prevention Policy
The purpose of the UMMEED guidelines is to enhance sensitivity, and understanding, and provide support to students if they are suspected of self-harm.
As a part of their plan of action, The Central Government prescribed setting up wellness teams, creating awareness among teachers and family members about best practices to help support a child, and guidelines to provide an immediate response to students exhibiting warning signs.
Also Read: World Suicide Prevention Day 2023: How Stigma Around Mental Illness Contributes To Suicide Risk
The Union Government stated in their guidelines 'A school wellness team (SWT) may be formed under the leadership of the school principal, where each member is oriented in handling crisis situations. When a student displaying warning signs has been identified by any stakeholder, they need to be reported to the SWT, which takes immediate action.'
The purpose of these wellness teams is to employ immediate support to students who are exhibiting suicidal or self-harm behaviours, and they will be educated about the right steps to take when they encounter such a situation.
Under UMEED, an orientation session will also be conducted every year for teachers and family members to increase awareness about suicide and self-harm among students, the perils of academic pressure, and suicide prevention.
Increasing Rate Of Student Suicides In India
According to the National Crime Records Bureau’s (NCRB) Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India (ADSI) report, in 2021, over 13,000 students died by suicide in India. This means that more than 35 students end their lives every day in India. The ADSI report attributed 'failure in examination' as the cause for 864 out of 10,732 suicides among students.
Considering these shocking statistics, UMMEED is a welcome and much-needed step that can finally address the stigma around mental health, especially in rural areas where mental health is vastly misunderstood, and overlooked due to a lack of resources.
Also Read: India Lost 11,000+ Kids To Suicide In 2020: How To Educate Children About Mental Health
Meanwhile, there are a huge number of Government helplines and NGOs in India that support students dealing with mental health issues and suicidal thoughts. These helpful sources offer their services for free with ease of accessibility. Additionally, experts advise that students should practice journaling to express their emotions, especially those thoughts which they feel uncomfortable voicing to other people. Parents and family members can also help children recognise situations that trigger their anxiety, fear, and hopelessness. Maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activities, a strict sleep schedule, and healthy social interaction are also key factors that can help students manage their stress better.
But most importantly, in spite of the UMMEED guidelines which are sure to create a change in these rising levels of student suicides, if you suspect your child or a student around you is suicidal, do not waste a second time before providing them a safe and inclusive space, and helping them seek professional help.