Section Article

Study on the Incidence of Suicidal Ideation and Actions among University Students
Author(s): Parmeesh Verma

Abstract
Suicidal ideation and self-harm behaviours among university students represent a critical concern in mental health and higher education globally. Young adults particularly university students experience a combination of academic pressure social stressors emotional challenges and lifestyle transitions making them susceptible to psychological distress that can manifest as suicidal thoughts or actions. This paper examines the incidence contributing factors and awareness of suicidal ideation among university students drawing upon empirical research conducted between 2018 and 2020. A systematic review of studies surveys and institutional reports was conducted to assess prevalence rates associated risk factors demographic correlations and institutional interventions. Findings indicate that while awareness of mental health resources has increased a significant proportion of students report experiencing suicidal thoughts at some point during their academic tenure. Factors such as academic stress social isolation financial difficulties relationship problems and pre-existing mental health conditions contribute substantially to suicidal ideation. Furthermore stigma surrounding mental health and limited access to counselling services exacerbate the risk of progression from ideation to action. The paper highlights the urgent need for universities to implement structured mental health programs promote early identification and intervention and foster supportive campus environments. Policy implications suggest integrating comprehensive mental health education into university curricula increasing accessibility to counselling and peer support networks and addressing systemic barriers to care. The study underscores that timely intervention awareness programs and destigmatization efforts can significantly reduce the incidence of suicidal ideation and actions among university students contributing to overall student well-being and academic success.