The recent tragic incidents where three teenagers from the same school took their own lives, in two separate incidents that were similar as far as the nature of the deaths are concerned, has sent shockwaves through the country. Although mental health issues or suicides are not a new topic in Sri Lanka, following these two incidents, people are questioning as to how easily mental health issues can lead to bigger disasters. This is despite the long-standing culture in Sri Lanka of not acknowledging mental health issues, which are often swept under the rug, or used to stereotype individuals.  

The compounding tragedy which stems from the deaths of these three young Sri Lankans, is that not only had the systems, which should have been there to protect them and help them at home, at school and in the public health sphere, had failed – and we as a society have failed to be there for them. While not to belittle these three incidents, it must be noted that the three deaths gained wide-spread attention because of the school they attended, the locality they lived in, and the manner of their deaths. However, if one cared enough to look attentively, youth suicide, occurs frequently, islandwide.  

Being emotional about these incidents is justifiable, as they are a reminder of the profound challenges faced by our youth when it comes to mental health. However, that emotional reaction should be the first step towards a more scientific and organised effort to address mental health issues among schoolchildren – and as a society, we must take urgent steps to empower and educate teenagers about mental health, ensuring that they have the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of their emotions. However, for this to happen, we need a cultural change, so that we enable a broader discussion about such issues to be socially permissible. Sri Lanka as a community, needs to address mental health issues and not rush to keep it ‘out of sight, out of mind’.

One of the key responsibilities of Sri Lanka’s education system is to provide a supportive environment where mental health is openly discussed and addressed. Schools should implement comprehensive mental health education programmes that not only educate students about mental health issues but also teach them coping strategies for dealing with grief and disappointment. For example, simple activities such as holding workshops that focus on emotional management, peer support, and self-care can equip teenagers with the skills they need to face life's challenges. As long-term measures, the authorities can also integrate mental health education into school curriculum, which will in turn create an environment where discussing emotions is normalised. It will help reduce the stigma that often surrounds mental health issues. All of this means that the Government must allocate more resources and make mental health a public health priority.

Access to adequate and friendly mental health services is equally vital. Currently, many schools lack the resources to provide essential mental health support. Although some have counsellors, many do not. In this context, the authorities should take these incidents as a reminder that the country is yet to pay adequate attention into establishing accessible counselling services within educational institutes. This includes training teachers to recognise the signs of emotional distress and providing them with the tools to support students effectively. When mental health professionals are readily available, students may feel more comfortable seeking help. In providing help, it is vital that there be strict quality control on mental health professionals.

However, this is not a fight only the authorities and teachers can manage. It is crucial for parents to play an active role in encouraging open communication about mental health at home. As per media reports, even in the said incidents, parents had noticed certain warning signs. However, those tragedies still occurred. Parents should learn a lesson, and try their best to create safe spaces for their children to express their feelings and concerns without fear of judgement. Schoolchildren should be taught that bottling up their feelings can be more damaging than expressing them. In addition to schoolchildren’s grades, these matters should receive attention at parent-teacher meetings.

Sri Lanka stands at a crossroads. We have the opportunity to create a culture where mental health is regarded with the same importance as physical health. This requires collective efforts from the authorities, educational institutes, teachers, and families to prioritise mental wellbeing of children. These tragic incidents are warnings that we should not ignore. At the same time, investing in mental health education and services should not be seen as a mere expense because in the long-run, mental wellbeing is beneficial to the country’s economic and social development as well.