Urgent Need for Action: Addressing this crisis requires immediate action. The Canadian government must prioritize mental health funding and make services more affordable. Schools and workplaces should offer accessible mental health support
Canada, long seen as a land of opportunity, is becoming a place of despair for many international students, particularly those from India. Every year, thousands of students arrive with dreams of a brighter future, only to face harsh realities that push some to tragic extremes. The rising number of suicides among Indian students is a cause for serious concern, wrote Surjit Singh Flora, a veteran journalist and freelance writer based in Canada, in dailypioneer.com.
International students and workers, especially from India, are growing increasingly frustrated by recent changes in Canadian immigration policies. Protests in cities like Brampton and Vancouver have voiced dissatisfaction with the government’s approach. Many students live under the constant threat of deportation, with limited options and mounting financial pressures.
Despite efforts by communities to address these issues, suicides continue to rise, exposing gaps in Canada’s mental health infrastructure. According to Statistics Canada, the country sees around 4,500 suicides annually, with British Columbia alone reporting 639 deaths in 2023. The data shows a consistent trend, highlighting the urgent need for better mental health resources and policies, particularly for vulnerable groups like international students.
Indian families must rethink the immense pressure placed on students abroad, recognizing that the path to success may not always lead through international education
Behind these numbers lie stories of isolation, unemployment, and untreated mental health conditions. The high cost of living and the pressure to succeed only add to the burden. For young students—many barely in their twenties—the strain is overwhelming, compounded by the weight of parental expectations from back home.
Canada’s mental health services remain underfunded and often inaccessible to those who need them most. The stigma surrounding mental illness further prevents many from seeking help. Social media, while offering a connection to family and friends, can also fuel feelings of inadequacy and exacerbate mental health issues.
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