Online Reporter
Latwell Nyangu
Youth Interactive Writer
NO parent wishes to bury their own children.
When a child takes their own life, the aftermath is devastating for parents.
The dreams and hopes they hold for their child are shattered, leaving behind a void that is impossible to fill.
Grieving parents often suffer with guilt and confusion.
And in most cases, the self-blame becomes a heavy burden, intensified by the lack of closure that frequently accompanies suicide.
Families find themselves searching for answers in a world that offers none.
For parents, burying their children is a pain that defies description.
The milestones they anticipated are replaced by grief and unanswered questions.
The impact of suicide extends beyond the immediate family, rippling through friends, classmates, and the community.
In August 2022, I wrote another piece asking, “Why are we killing ourselves, fellow students?” I received a interesting response, “the best people to respond to that are now dead.”
While I laughed, I couldn’t help but wonder, why are we committing suicide?
The gloomy cloud hovering over our fellow students is deeply concerning.
Student suicide has become a harsh reality in modern times.
For students, it is imperative to realise that suicide is not a way out but it devastates not only their own lives but also affects many others.
I hope you share my questions, where are our fellow students going?
Why are they going alone? Many questions flood my mind, Why are our fellow students taking their own lives? Is there anything appealing about ending one’s life?
As I reflect on these dark moments following a rise in student suicides, I feel compelled to explore what is affecting students during a time when we are not prepared for such sadness.
The thought that parents are burying their own children who should be their pillars of support, is a devastating reality.
Most parents are left with countless questions. This week, I revisit the issue of suicides among college students.
Last week, two cases of suicide at a local university were reported, along with the tragic news of a Grade 7 pupil who was found hanging at home.
These incidents are harrowing for families.
Every year, countless families grapple with the unimaginable loss of a child to suicide.
College is a time of significant transition, with many students living away from home for the first time, often without the support of family and friends. Along with new freedom and independence, students face heightened stress from academic demands, adjusting to a new environment, and building a new support system.
College also presents opportunities for experimenting with alcohol and drugs, which can negatively impact mood and increase the risk of suicide.
Some students arrive at college with a history of mental health issues or treatment.
In many cases, parents who have struggled to achieve success in life pin their hopes on their children to fulfil their dreams.
These parents often pressure their children to achieve high academic scores and pursue careers that may not align with their own interests.
Many students who commit suicide exhibit signs of depression beforehand.
I am still trying to understand why so many students choose this path.
Romantic relationships gone awry have also driven some students to take their lives.
Many fail to realise that even after a hopeless breakup, there is always the potential for new love.
Students often overlook their inherent potential, believing that failure in one area equates to failure in all aspects of life.
When expectations regarding academic performance do not align between students and their parents, some may succumb to despair.
It is true that students face significant challenges, and some may feel as though they can never achieve their goals.
Today’s universities are demanding, with pressures from finances, socialising, attending classes, completing assignments, and preparing for exams. Additionally, students must balance family issues, relationships, and jobs to support themselves while in college.
This overwhelming burden can lead some students to give up not necessarily through suicide, but by disconnecting from their aspirations.
What they do not realise is that they do not always have to follow the path they initially set for themselves.
The pressure surrounding exams can also be a dark influence, with many students unable to cope, leading to tragic outcomes.
Unhealthy competition, child abuse, peer pressure, and poor time management contributing to last-minute academic stress appear to be major sources of anxiety.
The modern student faces endless pressure to succeed.
From grades to extracurricular activities, the expectations can feel insurmountable.
Sometimes, social media only exacerbates these feelings, as students are continually bombarded with curated images of success, leading to unhealthy comparisons.
Despite increasing awareness, mental health issues remain stigmatised.
Many students suffer in silence, fearing judgment or dismissal.
Parents often remain unaware of their children’s distress.
It is essential for both students and parents to break the silence surrounding mental health.
Open conversations can pave the way for understanding and support.
In the end, every life is precious, and every story matters.
Together, we can work towards a future where no parent has to bury their child, and every student feels valued, heard, and supported.
Until we meet for a toast, let us remember, life is worth living.
Feedback: nyangu.latwell27 @gmail.com
