Six per cent of Thai university students have attempted suicide
Recent research reveals a disturbing finding that over 6 per cent of university students have attempted suicide.
The study findings have been highlighted after several students killed themselves in recent weeks.
“From research on university students’ depression during the past three to four years, it can be concluded that 6.4 per cent of students turned suicidal and tried to take their own life,” said Asst Professor Dr Piyawan Visessuvanapoom, lecturer at the Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Education.
The studies were both in Thailand and overseas, she added.
According to the research, most student suicide attempts were in dormitories or homes.
The common triggers for the actions were quarrels with someone very close, learning problems and relationship issues.
“Health problems, anxiety, stress and poor ties with parents and friends contribute to depression,” Piyawan said.
“Given that half of university students’ lives were about studies, lecturers could play a role in preventing a descent into depression.”
“Lecturers should understand that students are diverse. When a group of students cannot do something, try to understand them and see how you can help.”
Asst Professor Dr Nattasuda Taephant, who heads the Centre for Psychological Wellness, explained that everyone becomes sad from time to time.
“But if sadness is prolonged, a person may sink into depression.”
Nattasuda said academic results that were below expectations, plus money problems, soured romantic ties or friendships, or the sudden loss of something important could upset students’ lives and drive them into depression.
“The depressed tend to view the world and their situation negatively. Their past experiences affect their interpretation of what they are facing,” she said.
She said those with depression tended to keep themselves away from others, lose interest in their studies and become suicidal.
“What the depressed want most is someone who agrees to listen and think for them. Lecturers, friends and family members can improve their emotional wellbeing,” she said.
She said parents in particular should avoid any suggestion that they do not accept their children’s mistakes.
In serious cases, he recommended that the depressed seek counselling from experts.
If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai) or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai).
SOURCE: The Nation
