Every 40 seconds, someone in the world dies by suicide. Among young people, it has tragically become the second leading cause of death.
More than 75% of young people who die by suicide never received proper mental health support. Social media pressure, academic stress, and loneliness are silently fueling this crisis. Yet, most suicides are preventable with awareness, early intervention, and open conversations.
Talking about mental health does not make someone weak — it saves lives.
A simple “How are you really doing?” can make all the difference. Should mental health check-ups be made as routine as physical health check-ups?
Having supportive family or friends is indeed helpful. Have you ever heard of “15 minute rule” , It says that when a friend wants to reach out because they’re struggling you should give them at least 15 minutes of your time even if you’re busy. Those 15 minutes of listening and being present can make a big difference for someone feeling low or lonely. Often, the person doesn’t need a full solution just someone to hear them out without judgment.
You explained it very well , we all need a friend to overcome our from our problem , when we feel low or any person atleast one who we can talk about life .
Indeed, because mental and physical health are closely related, mental health examinations need to be as common as physical ones. They can aid in the early detection of problems, lessen stigma, and enhance general wellbeing.
As physical check-ups are essential to detect diseases early so are mental check-ups.Routine mental health assessments could normalize conversations, reduce stigma, and allow early detection of challenges before they become overwhelming. By integrating mental health into standard healthcare practices, we can shift from reactive responses to proactive support, saving countless lives in the process.
Yes, mental health check-ups should be routine like physical ones. They can help in early detection, reduce stigma, and ensure timely support, as mental well-being is just as important for overall health.
Indeed, such evaluations should be incorporated into routine health checkups—for instance, during school and college counseling sessions. It is also important to highlight that similar mental health screening tools, such as the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale for anxiety, and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) for stress, are widely used in other countries as part of standard practice.
This is heartbreaking yet eye-opening . Suicide being the 2nd leading cause of death among youth tells us one thing clearly — we are failing to prioritize mental health like we do physical health.
Routine mental health check-ups could normalize seeking help, catch warning signs early, and reduce stigma. Just like we measure blood pressure or sugar, why not also check anxiety, stress, or depression levels?
Youth don’t just need awareness campaigns, they need safe spaces, empathetic listeners, and accessible counseling without judgment. Because sometimes, one honest conversation or one timely intervention can truly save a life.
It’s terrible seeing how common this has gotten, but so many people never receive the help they require. Routine medical examinations could help eliminate the stigma and serve as a reminder that mental health is equally as vital as physical health. Opening up even a little bit can really save lives.
The link between suicide and mental disorders (in particular, depression and alcohol use disorders) and a previous suicide attempt is well established in high-income countries. However, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship disputes, or chronic pain and illness.
Till this date people consider talking about mental health as a taboo. But in reality, it is extremely important as our physical health is the shadow of our mental health. A simple 10 minutes conversation can also help a lot. And people should consider going for mental health check-ups as sometimes we don’t even realize that something is wrong with us.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth, primarily due to the immense stress from academic pressures. Many students face stress from competitive exams like NEET and JEE, while others struggle with job seeking, love failures, loneliness, and various other challenges. It’s often suggested that talking for just 10-15 minutes can significantly reduce the risk of suicidal thoughts. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of what to do, please take a moment to think about your parents and the dreams they have for you. Remember to consider your own well-being as you make your decision.
Thanks for speaking about this. It’s so important to create awareness and start these conversations mental health matters just as much as physical health.