GCAMHS Study: Rising Adolescent Suicidality After COVID-19 in South India

A new GCAMHS study published in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health highlights a significant rise in suicidal behaviors among adolescents following the COVID-19 pandemic. The research compared surveys from 2016 and 2023 involving students aged 11–17 in South India.

Results show suicide attempts increased from 2.1% to 6.6%, suicidal ideation from 4.7% to 11.6%, and self-harm from 8.5% to 15.2%. The sharpest rise in suicide attempts was seen among boys.

Higher risk was linked to mental health difficulties, physical health issues, bullying (both traditional and online), urban living, and non-nuclear family structures. In contrast, feeling safe at school and showing prosocial behavior were protective factors.

The study underscores an urgent need for interventions focused on mental health support, bullying prevention, and safer school environments to address the growing risk among adolescents.

Praharaj, S.K., Zhang, X., Arahanthabailu, P. et al. Changes in suicide attempt, suicidal ideation, and self-harm among Indian adolescents: comparison of cross-sectional surveys before (2016) and after (2023) COVID-19 pandemic. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-026-01041-4