Why "Toppers" Are Ending Their Lives? | The Silent Gen Z Crisis ft. Sherin Noordheen

Why are suicide rates rising even in "dream institutions" like IITs? How do addiction, body shaming, and modern relationships actually impact Gen Z’s mental health?

In this episode, we sit down with Sherin Noordheen, founder of "Let’s Live," an NGO dedicated to youth suicide prevention in Kerala. We dive deep into the silent struggles of today's youth—from the immense pressure of academic excellence to the unfiltered reality of campus relationships.

Sherin opens up about her personal story of failing Engineering Graphics and overcoming suicidal thoughts, proving that academic failure is not the end of the road.

In this episode, we discuss:

The "Topper" Paradox: Why high-achieving students are often the most vulnerable.Gen Z Reality: The impact of "situationships," breakups, and body image issues.Parenting Advice: Why you need to let your kids fail to build resilience.Survivor's Guilt: How to deal with the aftermath of losing a loved one.

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussions about suicide, self-harm, and trauma. Listener discretion is advised.

Support & Helplines (Kerala/India): If you are in distress, please reach out. You are not alone.

DISHA: 1056Maithri: 0484 2540530

Connect with the Guest: Sherin Noordheen is a mental health advocate and the Founder–Director of Let’s Live.

Instagram: The Orange Room TVM

Chapters: (00:00) Teaser: Why Resilience Matters More Than Success (01:52) Intro: Suicide Prevention & The "Let's Live" Mission (03:08) Is Suicide Attempt a Crime? (12:10) Gen Z Relationships: Breakups & Campus Reality (16:45) Why "Toppers" Struggle the Most (IIT/IIM Pressure) (20:10) Sherin's Story: Failing Engineering Graphics (29:00) Parenting Advice: Please Let Your Kids Fail! (34:10) Survivor’s Guilt: "Am I a Bad Parent?" (44:20) The Myth of "Closure" After a Suicide (55:00) Body Shaming & The Impact on Self-Esteem (01:05:30) Final Message: You Are Not Alone

About Let's Live: Let’s Live is an NGO working for youth suicide prevention in Kerala, creating spaces to talk, listen, and heal, and to cut down the stigma associated with mental health.