Suicide in Young Indian Women in Selangor: Yoga Therapy

Author

Ms. Krishnan N, a Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at 58. With 22 years as a lecturer, including 13 years in the Curtin University of Technology Perth, Australia Degree Twinning Program, she is now a certified yoga instructor, coach, and counselor. Her expertise enriches her current work.

Abstract
This article explores the intricate relationship between cultural expectations, mental health, and wellness practices among young Indian women in Selangor. It examines how societal pressures and a lack of mental health awareness contribute to emotional distress and coping strategies, particularly in the context of yoga therapy. Despite the growing prevalence of mental health issues and rising suicide rates, yoga remains undervalued within the community, often overshadowed by more competitive pursuits. 

This study highlights the potential of yoga therapy to foster resilience and emotional well-being, advocating for its integration into daily life as a preventive measure against mental health crises. By promoting open discussions around mental health and encouraging holistic practices, families can create supportive environments that nurture the mental wellness of young Indian women, ultimately leading to healthier, more balanced lives.

Keywords

Suicide, young Indian women, mental health, yoga, holistic wellness, cultural expectations, Selangor, emotional resilience, societal pressures.

Introduction

The Indian society in Selangor has evolved into a highly urbanized and affluent group, thriving in the midst of Malaysia’s modern urban lifestyle. In comparison to previous generations, many now belong to the upper echelons of society, positioning themselves as symbols of success, similar to their counterparts in states like Penang and Johor. As urbanization continues to shape their lives, their socioeconomic standing has risen considerably, bringing them on par with other major racial groups. The relentless pursuit of wealth, power, and social status has become a defining trend, with the climb toward success seemingly boundless.

However, beneath this veneer of prosperity, a deeply concerning issue persists: the rising suicide rates among young Indian women in Selangor. It is both alarming and disheartening that, despite the outward signs of success - luxurious homes, high-end cars, and academic achievements - these women are choosing to end their lives. This tragic phenomenon raises urgent questions about the underlying causes of such despair in a society that outwardly celebrates affluence and upward mobility. What drives these young women to such drastic actions, despite their apparent achievements and the society’s pride in its progress?

Methodology
This study adopts a qualitative research approach to explore the alarming rise in suicide among young Indian women in Selangor, focusing specifically on those aged 18 to 40. Rather than using formal questionnaires or structured interviews to assess depression or mental health, informal conversations were conducted with a randomly selected sample of 10 women. These discussions centered on the participants' immediate reactions and associations when the term "depression" was introduced, yielding anecdotal data for thematic analysis. Qualitative methods are ideal for uncovering personal narratives and providing deeper insight into complex emotional experiences (Smith & Osborn, 2015).

In addition to these personal conversations, this study examines content from the social media platform TikTok, where suicide-related videos, particularly involving young Indian women in Selangor, have garnered significant attention. Analysis of user comments, feedback, and broader societal responses from these videos provided valuable insights into how depression and mental health are perceived within this demographic. Social media has been increasingly recognized as a critical source of data for mental health studies, particularly in understanding youth perspectives and societal responses (Guntuku et al., 2020).

Furthermore, the author's professional experience as a yoga instructor, counselor, and coach informs this study. Over the course of multiple sessions, qualitative data were gathered from clients regarding their emotional and psychological struggles. These interactions provided a deeper understanding of the challenges these young Indian women face, their willingness to seek help, and the role of family support, particularly from parents and close loved ones, in addressing their mental health issues. Qualitative research in therapeutic settings often reveals personal insights that are not easily captured through quantitative methods (Bazeley, 2013).

It is important to emphasize that this study does not engage in medical or clinical terminology nor provide a scientific analysis of depression or mental health. Instead, it relies on the author's expertise, experiential data, social media analysis, and a review of online literature on mental health, depression, and suicide. This approach spans a broader spectrum beyond race, religion, and ethnicity, and focuses on the societal pressures and individual experiences of young Indian women in Selangor.

Focus Age Group
This article focuses on Indian women aged 18 to 40, defined as young for the purpose of the study. This age range is particularly vulnerable, as these women are transitioning from family-centered environments to pursuing higher education, careers, relationships, and marriage. This phase often introduces them to the complexities of urban life, bringing additional challenges and pressures (Arnett, 2000). 

Social media exposure typically begins much earlier, with smartphones, tablets, and laptops becoming common in urban Indian households. These devices, used for both educational and entertainment purposes, expose young Indian women to online content from a young age, shaping their perspectives long before they fully engage with urban adulthood. Early exposure to social media has been associated with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and self-harm, particularly in young women (Keles, McCrae, & Grealish, 2020).

Qualitative Insights from Indian Women on Depression

Informal conversations with the 10 Indian women, aged from their late twenties to mid-sixties, revealed diverse factors influencing their perceptions of depression and mental health.

Among the women in their late twenties, three identified romantic relationships as the primary source of their emotional distress. These participants shared that issues such as rejection and the complexities of love often led to feelings of depression. In contrast, older participants identified different contributors to depression. Women in their mid-thirties and beyond often pointed to grief and the fear of life’s challenges as central factors. One woman shared her experience of parental comparison, where her achievements were weighed against those of her peers who had attained professional stability. Though she dismissed this comparison as unimportant, she noted that for other young Indian women, such comparisons could lead to immense pressure, potentially contributing to depression (Corcoran et al., 2011).

Understanding Suicide: Triggers and Behavioral Patterns
Suicide, in simple terms, refers to the act of intentionally ending one’s life. It is often a decision made to cease living, whether impulsively or after a prolonged internal struggle. In some instances, suicide is a spontaneous act triggered by immediate emotional or psychological impact. For others, it results from an accumulation of pressures over time, stemming from personal, social, or urban challenges that feel insurmountable (Beautrais, 2004).

The process leading to suicide can manifest differently across individuals. For some, the battle is internal and silent, while others may exhibit external symptoms such as social isolation, heightened emotional extremes (e.g., excessive happiness or sadness), or a seemingly neutral disposition masking underlying distress. Suicidal thoughts often arise from excessive rumination, over-analysis, or the suppression of negative emotions. These individuals may continue with their daily lives while ignoring or pushing aside their internal struggles, outwardly appearing unaffected (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2001).

In certain cases, suicide presents itself as a hidden struggle, making it difficult for others to detect warning signs. However, changes in behavior or demeanor can sometimes indicate a shift in a person’s mental state. Suicidal tendencies may emerge when a person’s mind becomes overwhelmed by negative thoughts or enters a neutral or emotionally detached state. This mental turmoil affects not only the mind but also the soul, creating a deep internal conflict. The interplay between mind, soul, and body often results in noticeable changes in physical activity, whether through hyperactivity, lethargy, or a neutral, unengaged state (Joiner, 2005).

The Onset: From Mental Health to Depression
The root of suicidal thoughts often lies in mental health, which can gradually spiral into depression. Mental health pertains to how one perceives oneself, encompassing emotions, thoughts, and feelings - essentially psychological factors. These factors are not isolated but are influenced by urban social and cultural surroundings, which shape how individuals think, behave, react, and respond to external pressures.

How does mental health lead to depression? This is a crucial link to explore. While positive emotions are considered the norm, occasional feelings of sadness or stress are common. However, when these feelings of low mood persist and envelop the mind and soul, they can result in a sense of sadness, hopelessness, lethargy, and negativity. If these emotions are brushed aside or left unaddressed, they may transition into either subtle or overt forms of depression (Kessler, 2002).

Negative mental health can spill over into depression, and in turn, depression can further deteriorate one’s overall mental health. Therefore, awareness of both mental health and depression is critical for all.

Tradition vs. Modernity for Young Indian Women
For young Indian women in Selangor, emotions, thoughts, and feelings are often shaped by a blend of tradition and modernity. While modernization and education have broadened opportunities, families still cling to traditional expectations regarding how a daughter or daughter-in-law should behave, emphasizing respect for family members and household responsibilities. These pressures tend to fall more heavily on daughters compared to sons (Bhatia & Ram, 2020).

Although urban families increasingly prioritize education for daughters, household duties like cooking and cleaning are often expected to be balanced alongside academic pursuits. However, these traditional roles are gradually losing priority as education takes the forefront in many households. Marriage is another domain where tradition persists. Families often adhere to societal timelines, feeling pressure to marry off their daughters at a "suitable" age. This can create confusion and stress for young women, torn between the freedom to choose their partners and the pressure to conform to traditional values (Choudhry & Rathi, 2022). In some cases, if a young Indian woman is not in a relationship, her parents may take the lead in finding a husband, regardless of her wishes, perpetuating emotional strain.

This juxtaposition of tradition and modernization profoundly affects the mental health of young Indian women. The pressure to maintain family status while navigating the complexities of urban life can lead to emotional and psychological challenges, raising concerns about how these expectations impact their overall well-being (Nair et al., 2021).

The Burden of Achievement
In the urban Indian society of Selangor, young Indian women face immense pressure to achieve beyond just academic success. Upholding a proud family image is crucial, and the community places high value on daughters excelling in prestigious fields like medicine, law, or finance. Alternatively, marrying wealthy elite Indian men is seen as a mark of success, symbolized through grand weddings and luxurious lifestyles (Iyer & Reddy, 2023).

From an early age, young Indian women are encouraged to excel in both academics and co-curricular activities. They are enrolled in a variety of pursuits, such as Indian classical dance, reciting Hindu verses, sports like badminton and swimming, and attending tuition classes to ensure academic excellence. The community’s commitment to prestige is evident, as parents invest considerable time, money, and effort to help their daughters stand out. Families also prioritize international education, viewing it as a stepping stone to a brighter future.

Parents push their daughters to outperform their peers, and this relentless pursuit of superiority often leads to harsh criticism when expectations aren’t met, creating immense emotional pressure. Parents are willing to sacrifice their own needs and desires, devoting their resources to molding their daughters into high achievers, all in the name of securing family status. However, this pressure to excel can significantly impact the mental and emotional well-being of these young Indian women.

Status and Competition in Urban Life
Social gatherings within the urban Indian society in Selangor often become showcases of achievement - highlighting marital status, living conditions, and educational success (Nair et al., 2020). The community’s pride hinges on their children’s accomplishments, including those of daughters, creating an environment where success feels like a communal obligation. Conversations frequently revolve around how well parents have raised their daughters, emphasizing their effective parenting models (Rani, 2021).

These gatherings often involve discussions about the expensive houses and cars daughters can acquire or the prestige that comes from marrying wealthy men. Families exchange stories about whose daughter is achieving more, the success of their husbands, and the latest accomplishments of their children. Whispers and pointing often accompany new arrivals, as attendees share details about their accomplishments, exclusive possessions, and the academic success of grandchildren (Gupta, 2019).

Underlying Rivalries
However, beneath this façade of unity lies a landscape filled with rivalry, jealousy, and even deception, as families compete to present an image of elite status (Singh, 2022). This relentless pursuit of prestige can foster a toxic environment, deeply affecting the mental health of young Indian women navigating these complex societal pressures. In urban Indian society in Selangor, comparison plays a pivotal role in shaping the upbringing of daughters. The emphasis on prestige cultivates a culture where families feel compelled to project success, often leading to fierce competition.

As families vie for recognition, jealousy and backbiting can emerge. Mothers, in particular, may go to great lengths to ensure their daughters receive the spotlight, sometimes at any cost. Despite the outward appearance of a close-knit community, beneath the surface lies a web of rivalry and competition, with families measuring their worth against one another. This can lead to deception and exaggeration, as parents strive to present their children as part of the elite class within the Indian community.

Lack of Affection
Despite being educated and outwardly liberal, urban Indian families often struggle to express affection, particularly towards their daughters. Gestures such as hugging, showing appreciation, or engaging in heart-to-heart conversations are rare. Even something as simple as wishing "good morning" can feel uncomfortable for parents, as though they are yielding to their daughters. In such environments, parental authority is considered absolute; parents believe they are always right, and their word is final (Sharma, 2021).

This emotional detachment not only affects daughters' relationships with their parents but also carries over into their future marriages, leaving them ill-prepared to express love and affection. Despite the lack of overt emotional warmth, urban Indians can be highly sensitive, easily triggered by comments or perceived judgments from others. Status-conscious and preoccupied with how they are viewed by their peers, they often react intensely to criticism, creating an emotionally charged atmosphere at home (Kumar, 2020).

Daughters growing up in these environments tend to absorb these sensitivities, mirroring their parents' emotional responses. This heightened sensitivity can have profound implications for their mental health, leading to patterns of conflict and tension in social interactions and romantic relationships. Small triggers can result in outbursts of anger, tantrums, or hurtful words, sometimes even directed at their parents. In many ways, these daughters are returning the same emotional patterns they have internalized from their upbringing, perpetuating a cycle of emotional volatility.

Generational Dynamics in Urban Indian Families
In urban Indian society, the pursuit of maintaining superior family status often results in overlooking the emotional well-being of daughters, despite public declarations of concern for their welfare. Behind closed doors, strict discipline shapes the upbringing of young women, with social norms dictating that daughters remain silent and obedient. Decisions about their careers, interests, and even personal feelings are often made by parents, with input from the extended family, including siblings, relatives, and family friends. This can stifle a young woman's ability to express her preferences or assert her independence (Bhatia, 2020).

As young Indian women grow older, particularly when they enter higher education or begin their careers, they may struggle to conform to these rigid expectations. This clash between traditional discipline and modern aspirations can lead to family tensions, misunderstandings, and conflicts. The question arises: will the parents adjust to the evolving worldview of their daughters, or will the young women rebel, asserting their independence at the cost of family harmony? In worst-case scenarios, this can lead to fractured family bonds, with some young women even choosing to move out of their family homes to gain autonomy, which only deepens the rift.

The generation gap between parents and their daughters is further widened as more urban young Indian women in Selangor embrace education and liberal viewpoints. Differences in opinion regarding career paths, marriage, and lifestyle choices often create friction within families. While some parents may eventually compromise, others cling to traditional expectations, leading to ongoing disputes (Choudhary, 2022).

In these situations, extended family members often insert themselves into the conflict, offering unsolicited advice or criticism, which exacerbates the stress faced by young Indian women. This dynamic extends beyond the immediate family, particularly after marriage, when in-laws may overstep boundaries, adding further pressure and complicating the relationships within the family unit.

Religious Influence and Parental Expectations
Religion plays a crucial role in the lives of urban Indians in Selangor, often intertwined with social status and pride (Jadhav, 2021). Parents emphasize religious values in their daughters, stressing the importance of prayer, participation in temple activities, and adhering to rituals. Any deviation from these expectations is viewed as a lack of religious belief, as religion serves not only as a spiritual guide but also as a key measure of how one is perceived within the society. Practices such as fasting, abstaining from meat, adopting vegetarianism, and attending religious festivals are seen as essential components of being a dutiful Indian daughter (Sharma & Chatterjee, 2022).

For urban Indian families, religion is seen as a solution to family problems. Traditional rituals, beliefs, and norms form the bedrock of their religious identity. When daughters behave in ways that parents consider abnormal - such as making life choices that go against family expectations - parents often attribute this to external influences like black magic or jealousy from others. A common example is a daughter choosing a marriage partner the family disapproves of. In such cases, rather than acknowledging the daughter’s personal feelings or struggles, parents may seek guidance from priests, religious gurus, mediums, or even palm readers, believing their daughter has been "bewitched" (Patel, 2023).

This reliance on spiritual intervention often overshadows the need for emotional understanding, preventing families from recognizing the real issues their daughters might be facing, such as inner unhappiness or emotional distress due to parental pressure. This approach not only fails to provide meaningful support but can also exacerbate the challenges young Indian women encounter.

The Impact of Overprotective Parenting
In urban Indian families, many parents exhibit overprotective tendencies toward their daughters from an early age. This manifests as shielding their daughters from criticism and conflict, often defending them even when they are in the wrong (Kumar, 2021). Instead of correcting or guiding them, these parents give in to their daughters' demands, allowing them to act without facing consequences. In some cases, parents even speak on behalf of their daughters and react defensively when someone criticizes them, willing to stand up for their daughters despite knowing they have made mistakes.

This pattern of overpraise and protection creates an illusion of perfection for these young Indian women, especially in social settings where their parents constantly elevate them. As a result, they grow up believing they are faultless, making it difficult for them to handle criticism or failure.

When these young women enter higher education or begin their careers, the effects of overprotective parenting become apparent. They struggle to stand up for themselves, make decisions, or cope with challenges, having never been taught resilience. Even small setbacks can cause them to break down, as they are unaccustomed to facing adversity.

Growing up in an environment where they are constantly praised and never corrected leads them to expect the best treatment in social situations. They become hypersensitive to any feedback or comments about them, often reacting poorly when confronted with the realities of life that contradict their self-image.

Substance Use as a Coping Mechanism
Substance abuse, while often a taboo topic, has surfaced in conversations with young Indian women in Selangor in their mid to late thirties. A few have disclosed that drinking has become a coping mechanism in response to life’s challenges, particularly those related to love and relationships. Although illicit drug use was not mentioned, alcohol consumption as part of socializing has emerged as a common practice (Gupta, 2021). This reflects an increasing trend that has been observed over the past decade, where young urban women turn to alcohol as a form of emotional escape, a phenomenon initially highlighted in studies nearly ten years ago (Rao & Kumar, 2014).

For these women, meeting friends and clubbing serve as excuses to drink, offering a temporary escape from feelings of sadness and the constraints of home life. In these social settings, the act of drinking fosters a sense of belonging and provides an avenue for sharing personal struggles (Bhattacharya & Sharma, 2022). The camaraderie developed in these environments allows them to discuss their issues - often centered around love - while receiving support from peers.

While some women manage to cultivate the discipline to detach from drinking and pursue healthier coping strategies, others have seemingly drifted away, with no further contact reported by the author. This highlights the complex interplay of social dynamics and personal choices in navigating emotional challenges (Bhattacharya & Sharma, 2022).

Social Status and Its Impact on Young Indian Women
In the urban Indian society, there is a significant emphasis on achievements, and for many young Indian women, affluent parents provide a substantial head start. Some families offer their daughters cars, high-tech smartphones, and branded goods, making these luxuries part of the social status displayed during social gatherings (Nair & Patil, 2023). This growing materialism among young women has been documented for years, reflecting a shift in values and lifestyle priorities that were already noted a decade ago (Singh & Gopal, 2012). For a subset of these young women, there is little need to work, or they end up working within the family business, securing a ready-made position and status.

This display of wealth creates a social divide within the circles of young Indian women. Those who cannot afford such luxuries may feel left behind, leading to feelings of inadequacy and frustration. These young women may even direct resentment towards their parents for not providing the same lifestyle, causing strain in family relationships (Mehta, 2020). Social interactions often take place in high-end clubs and restaurants, reinforcing the divide between those who can afford this lifestyle and those who struggle to keep up.

The pressure extends into romantic relationships as well. Young Indian women from elite families often have boyfriends from similarly affluent backgrounds, further emphasizing status. For those without boyfriends from this circle, there can be a sense of intimidation or inadequacy, as they feel out of place compared to their peers. This constant comparison can breed jealousy and envy among friends.

The weight of these expectations, both in terms of lifestyle and relationships, impacts the mental health of young Indian women. The pressure to maintain or achieve a particular social status becomes overwhelming, leading to feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, and emotional stress (Nair & Patil, 2023).

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
Social media has become a pivotal factor influencing the mental health of young Indian women in Selangor. These platforms serve as avenues for self-expression and engagement with social issues, enabling women in their twenties and thirties to share their opinions and champion various causes. This boldness, however, comes with a downside; the pressure to maintain a public persona can lead to intense scrutiny and comparison (Choudhury & Sundar, 2020).

As young women navigate these online spaces, they often engage in both support and conflict, resulting in a cyclical pattern of validation and criticism. The competitive nature of social media can escalate to the point where individuals feel overwhelmed, unable to cope with the repercussions of their online presence, which tragically can culminate in severe outcomes, including suicide (Kumar & Jha, 2021). This leaves parents grappling with a sense of helplessness - whether they were aware of their daughters' struggles or preoccupied with their own ambitions.

The constant exposure to curated lifestyles can instil feelings of inadequacy among young women, as they compare their own lives to the seemingly glamorous experiences shared by others. The phenomenon of social media influencers further complicates this narrative, as the pursuit of popularity and validation can lead young women to question their own worth and achievements (Mitra & Goswami, 2018).

Despite the vigilant oversight often exhibited by parents, it is concerning that some remain oblivious to the pressures their daughters face online. Behind closed doors, young Indian women are often wrestling with deep-seated dilemmas, and it is frequently those closest to them who contribute to their distress. These dynamic highlights the need for greater awareness and open dialogue around mental health and social media's pervasive influence.

Social Media and Urban Indian Parents in Selangor
Parents are also part of this social media platform sharing. Young Indian daughters are exposed on social media at a young age. It's about how their daughters are shining stars, achieving so much, and doing well whether in school or other activities. Love is also openly showered on the daughters, celebrating birthdays, using all sorts of loving names, and when it comes to end-school exam results, social media is flooded with achievements once again. By doing so, Indian parents are setting the example that achievements, whatever they perceive as success, must be showcased on social media platforms (Singh & Gopal, 2019). Weddings, engagements, and all celebrations of daughters are the major highlights, and others cheer and clap for them.

This behavior of urban parents raises concerns about whether they are, without realizing it, contributing to the mental health struggles of other young Indian women who may feel inadequate. The constant comparison or lack of similar parental love and attention may lead to feelings of exclusion and could potentially result in depression among those who feel they are missing out.

Mental Health Awareness in Selangor’s Indian Society
Mental health awareness remains a pressing need among Indian parents and young adults in Selangor. Many parents are either unaware of mental health issues or reluctant to address them due to broader cultural stigma, leading to superficial discussions about well-being (Nagarajan et al., 2022). This avoidance often obscures the deeper emotional struggles faced by their children, as parents may gossip about others rather than confront their own family’s challenges (Sharma & Singh, 2023).

Young Indian women raised in environments that prioritize maintaining a pristine image often suppress their feelings and hesitate to seek help. This reluctance is compounded by the societal pressure to uphold an image of perfection within the urban Indian society, where mental health problems are treated as closely guarded secrets (Kumar & Ali, 2021).

Parents often mistake their daughters' emotional distress for physical illness, spending large sums on medical consultations and medications under the impression that their daughters are simply unwell (Nagarajan et al., 2022). This highlights the urgent need for more open conversations about mental health, as well as education to dismantle the stigma surrounding these issues. Encouraging parents to acknowledge and address mental health challenges could lead to more supportive environments for their children.

Urbanites' Approach to Yoga in Selangor
It's tragic that the urban Indian society in Selangor lacks interest in yoga. Parents do not prioritize yoga for their growing children, particularly their daughters, viewing it as an activity that doesn’t yield status or recognition compared to more competitive pursuits (Smith & Kumar, 2021). They push their kids toward activities that promise trophies and accolades, seeing them as measures of success.

Even the parents themselves often shy away from yoga, favoring high-energy activities like Zumba, modern dance, and Bollywood dance instead. Yoga is seen merely as a physical exercise rather than a means to enhance mental well-being (Patel, 2022). Without parental engagement, yoga risks being relegated to the background, forgotten as an ancient therapeutic practice.

Amid rising suicide rates among young Indian women, discussions about mental health are prevalent, yet convincing parents to embrace yoga remains a challenge. Instead, they remain engrossed in social media and WhatsApp groups, preoccupied with the latest trends in healthy eating or the lives of others. The urban Indian society is often on a relentless pursuit of success and wealth, neglecting mental health in the process. Their fast-paced lifestyle leaves little room for integrating yoga into their daily routine, yet socializing and networking remain high priorities for showcasing their achievements.

Yoga as a Holistic Wellness Approach
Yoga serves as a powerful natural therapy for holistic wellness, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. For young Indian women, yoga can be particularly beneficial, promoting calmness through breathwork, awareness practices, and mindfulness. This allows them to remain present amidst life's challenges. Research shows that yoga effectively reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress - critical factors often linked to suicidal thoughts and behaviors among young women (Khalsa et al., 2021).

The Therapeutic Benefits of Yoga
Yoga's comprehensive approach integrates physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), and meditation to enhance mental well-being. Scientific investigations have validated meditation's efficacy in improving mental health, revealing substantial benefits such as reduced stress, enhanced emotional resilience, and improved focus (Goyal et al., 2014). Mindfulness meditation, which emphasizes present-moment awareness, has been shown to alleviate depressive episodes by disrupting negative thought patterns.

The Importance of Self-Compassion
In today's fast-paced urban environment, fostering self-compassion is crucial. Young Indian women often face societal pressures leading to self-criticism and comparison. Embracing yoga can help cultivate kindness towards oneself, creating a supportive environment for personal growth (Creswell, 2017).

Addressing Mental Health Stigma
Life in the 21st century for urban Indians in Selangor is characterized by a relentless pursuit of success, often neglecting mental health concerns. Despite the rising suicide rates, many families resist acknowledging their daughters' struggles due to societal stigma. This reluctance prevents them from considering yoga as a viable form of support. Unfortunately, even healthcare professionals sometimes overlook yoga, favouring counseling or medications instead (Mehta & Sinha, 2020).

The Long-Term Impact of Suicide

Suicide leaves lasting scars on loved ones, including parents, siblings, and spouses. The emotional turmoil that follows can have profound effects on their mental health, as they grapple with feelings of guilt and loss. In the elite circles of Selangor, the reaction to such tragedies often includes superficial expressions of sympathy before moving on with their lives, leaving the bereaved to cope alone (Patel & Choudhury, 2021).

Additionally, the social stigma faced by the loved ones exacerbates their suffering; tongues begin to wag among elite Indian society, leading to gossip and judgment. Based on the author's observations, those grieving are often subjected to belittling remarks suggesting they are to blame for not recognizing the signs of distress or for perceived failures as parents. This cycle of gossip and blame perpetuates emotional pain, as discussions surrounding suicide continue to arise in social interactions, causing further distress to those grieving.

A Call for Change
The urgent need for mental health awareness in Selangor's Indian society cannot be overstated. Instead of waiting for tragedies to prompt reflection, it’s time to integrate yoga into the lives of young Indian women as a preventive measure. While yoga should complement, rather than replace, traditional medical treatments, its benefits for mental health are undeniable. Encouraging its practice from an early age can help cultivate resilience, emotional stability, and overall wellness.

Conclusion
The interplay between cultural expectations, mental health, and wellness practices in Selangor's urban Indian society is complex and multifaceted. As young Indian women navigate societal pressures and the relentless pursuit of success, the need for effective coping mechanisms becomes increasingly critical. Yoga, with its holistic approach to wellness, offers a promising avenue for enhancing mental health and fostering resilience.

Despite the current stigma surrounding mental health issues and the limited emphasis on yoga as a therapeutic practice, there is an urgent need for a paradigm shift. By integrating yoga into the daily lives of young Indian women, families can create supportive environments that prioritize mental well-being alongside traditional markers of success. Encouraging open conversations about mental health, coupled with a commitment to embracing holistic practices, can pave the way for healthier futures.

Ultimately, addressing mental health concerns proactively rather than reactively can prevent devastating consequences, such as the tragic loss of young lives to suicide. As the community becomes more aware of the profound benefits of yoga, it can cultivate a culture of self-compassion, mindfulness, and emotional resilience. The time to act is now - by prioritizing mental health and integrating practices like yoga, we can nurture a generation of young Indian women who are not only successful but also emotionally balanced and fulfilled.

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