MBBS student Shivansh’s tragic death: The youth was under the shadow of stress, had sent his last message to his friends

A promising student, preparing for a bright future and suddenly a decision that shook everyone. MBBS student Shivansh Gupta, living in the hostel of Jabalpur Medical College, committed suicide last Thursday. After his death, questions are now being raised whether we do not take the mental health of our children seriously? Is loneliness and pressure taking them to this extent?

Troubled Shivansh came in front of his friends, committed suicide by jumping from the third floor . 20-year-old Shivansh Gupta belongs to Rewa in Madhya Pradesh, but he was a first-year MBBS student at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, Jabalpur and lived in Boys Hostel No. 4. On Thursday, he jumped from the third floor of the hostel. By the time anyone could understand or stop him, it was too late.College Superintendent Dr. Arvind Sharma informed that after the incident, Shivansh was taken to the hospital in critical condition. He had serious injuries on his head and neck. Soon after, the doctors declared him dead.Shivaansh’s friends said that he had become very quiet and depressed for the past few days. They felt that he was battling a lot of stress inside. He himself accepted this, because before taking the suicidal step, he had messaged some close friends that he was “very upset”. But when friends asked the reason, he did not answer.

Stress, depression and loneliness— Shivansh’s suicide has not only taken a life, but has also raised those questions, which are increasing rapidly in the lives of today’s youth. The mental pressure that students studying in professional courses like medical go through is not everyone’s cup of tea. Sometimes the burden of studies, sometimes the anxiety of being away from home, and many times the confusion about their future. In Shivansh’s case, friends say that he was in depression for many days. But perhaps he did not talk to anyone openly. This is the biggest sorrow—when someone becomes so lonely in his pain that he decides to take his own life. Generally, there is no talk about mental health in our society. We ignore pain by saying phrases like ‘everything will be fine’. But everything is not fine every time. If someone is repeatedly becoming silent, cutting off from conversations, then it is important that we listen to him, understand him and support him.

Shivnsh wrote in the message “I am upset”, but refrained from answering—had he become very lonely?

Investigation by Gadha police has revealed that Shivansh had sent a message to some of his friends just before committing suicide. He only wrote that he was upset. But when friends asked why? What is the matter? Then he did not answer. Perhaps he had decided that now he will not tell anything to anyone, perhaps he himself was also tired.One thing is clear from this whole case that the youth need not only academic support but also emotional support. It is important to assure them that they are not alone. We are with them, even if we cannot answer their every question, we can still listen to them.The police has said that the investigation of the case is currently underway. Deputy Inspector Yogendra Singh informed the media that an FIR has been registered and every aspect of the incident is being investigated thoroughly.On the other hand, Shivansh’s family, which currently lives in Gurugram, reached Jabalpur on Friday morning. After the postmortem, the body was sent for cremation.

Has the time not come now that we consider the mental health of students as important as the marksheet?

Shivansh’s death is a warning. This is not just an incident, it is a sign of the mental pressure that today’s youth is going through every day. Studies, career, parents’ expectations, the influence of social media – somewhere in between all this, he is losing himself.We now have to strengthen not just the education system but also the mental health system in our colleges, schools and universities. If Shivansh had received counselling on time, if he had found someone with whom he could talk openly, then perhaps he would have been among us today. Shivansh’s story teaches us that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but courage. And it is our responsibility to help someone. If someone around you looks sad, lonely or changed, then just ask once – “Are you okay?”