Meera, a 16-year-old student in Pune, was cheerful and did well in class until a few weeks ago. Now she is quiet and withdrawn, her marks have fallen and she often misses school. She told a close friend that she has been thinking about ending her life because of her family's heavy debts. The school counsellor now meets her daily and has involved her parents. In the same district, after several such deaths, the administration has stopped the open sale of pesticides in village shops. Local newspapers have agreed to report such deaths with care, and local health workers are being trained to spot people at risk and help them.
Meera's teacher wonders whether her recent changes need attention. When identifying students in distress, which kind of change should be taken seriously?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → A change in performance, attendance or behaviour that is unexpected or striking
Option (1) A change in performance, attendance or behaviour that follows a known family crisis — Incorrect. A family crisis is a stressful event, but the deciding point is the change itself. Any unexpected or striking change counts, whatever its cause.
Option (2) A change in performance, attendance or behaviour that has lasted at least six months — Incorrect. No waiting period is set for a student in distress. Waiting six months would delay help, and timely help is what prevents suicide.
Option (3) A change in performance, attendance or behaviour that the student reports herself — Incorrect. Many people thinking of suicide do not seek help because of stigma. So a teacher acts on the changes she sees.
Option (4) A change in performance, attendance or behaviour that is unexpected or striking — Correct. When identifying students in distress, any unexpected or striking change in performance, attendance or behaviour should be taken seriously. Meera's sudden fall in marks, missed school and withdrawal are such changes.
NCERT (2026-27): “Bipolar and Related Disorders … “Identifying students in distress : Any unexpected or striking change affecting the adolescent’s performance, attendance or behaviour should be taken seriously, such as:” |