May 23, 2006: 17-year-old Babu from Chrompet and 19-year-old Priya from Ramanathapuram, both in Tamil Nadu, found life worthless, after failing their class XII exam. While Babu hung himself in his room, Priya chose self-immolation.

May 24, 2006: DPS student, Priyamvada killed herself, fearing her parents' reaction to her failure in the Board exams. Her heartbroken parents rushed her to the hospital, but it was too late!

Exam fever may be over, but the tension is still palpable. Before the beginning of a new academic year, the number of teenage students committing suicides continues to scale scary heights every year. So if you have teens in your family appearing for major exams this year, beware!

It is good to be alert, even if you're supportive and share a good relationship with your teens. Although some students suicides are due to parental pressure, this is not always the cause.

"It is not just the pressure from parents, it could be simple fear of disappointing them or exposing them to criticism on their child's behalf," says psychiatrist Dr. Leena Bahrani. Multiple cases of student suicides at IITs, IIMs, medical and engineering colleges over the years prove that stress burdens students even after getting admission to institutes of excellence.

Understanding the reasons that drive these young minds to end their existence could prove an eye-opener for every parent.

Is Your Teen Stressed?

Be cautious if you've observed any of these patterns in your kid's behaviour pre or post exams:

• Lack of Concentration: Fidgetiness, anxiousness, difficulty focusing on studies prior to exams

• Signs of Depression: Excessive crying, nervousness, stress and inability to come out of gloom and listlessness

• 'I Give Up' Attitude: Lack of spirit, negative attitude to everything exam-related, inferiority complex about performance of others in school / neighbourhood

• Sudden Secretiveness: Inability to explain whereabouts, averting direct questions, providing excessive explanations, hiding and fiercely guarding personal belongings, distanced from parents and friends

• Sudden Rebellious Behaviour: Picking fights at home or with friends, back-answering without reason, edginess and aggressive attitude

• Open suicide talk at home or among friends

If your teen has displayed any of the above behaviour patterns, then he / she is probably very stressed.