{"id":205267,"date":"2025-09-06T15:12:19","date_gmt":"2025-09-06T15:12:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/205267\/"},"modified":"2025-09-06T15:12:19","modified_gmt":"2025-09-06T15:12:19","slug":"family-urges-support-for-loneliness-isolation-after-international-student-death","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/205267\/","title":{"rendered":"Family urges support for loneliness, isolation after international student death"},"content":{"rendered":"

The family of an Indian national believed to have taken his own life along Western Australia’s southern coast say he was struggling with isolation, and may not have died if help had been available.<\/p>\n

Parbhat, 24, disappeared near Albany, 400 kilometres south of Perth, in August 2024.<\/p>\n

He was last seen in his Kia Cerato at The Gap, a popular tourist attraction about 20km from town.<\/p>\n

A WA coroner ruled last month that he had likely died by suicide.<\/p>\n

Details of the lead-up to his death, revealed during the inquest, highlighted a man dealing with significant trauma and isolation.<\/p>\n

He was studying to become a chef and had lived with his cousin Rahul in Melbourne before moving to Perth in 2021.<\/p>\n

\"Two<\/p>\n

Parbhat and his younger brother in happier days. (Supplied: Rahul)<\/p>\n

“He wanted to make his parents proud,”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Rahul said.<\/p>\n

“He was a gentle, funny and caring man, but behind his smile he was carrying heavy struggles.”\u00a0<\/p>\n

Rahul said his cousin struggled with the isolation from his Indian family and the pressures of work and study, but he rarely shared his hardship.<\/p>\n

\"Parbhat<\/p>\n

Parbhat’s family says he strugged with the demands of work and study. (Supplied: Rahul)<\/p>\n

Falling apart in isolation<\/p>\n

In 2023, Parbhat was working in Perth as a kitchen hand.<\/p>\n

While catching the train home to Mosman Park, in the city’s western suburbs, the 24-year-old was assaulted, with the attacker also stealing his phone.<\/p>\n

Rahul said the assault made Parbhat afraid to travel, while the cost of replacing his phone left him struggling financially.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Parbhat’s blue Kia Cerato was found at the car park in Torndirrup National Park. (ABC Great Southern: Katrina Tap)<\/p>\n

He began drinking heavily and withdrew socially, according to his housemates, and was dismissed from the Global College Australasia (GCA) due to poor attendance.<\/p>\n

This was reported to the Department of Home Affairs as it had the potential to affect his student visa, which was due to expire in June 2025.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, he kept the situation from his family, telling them all was well.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Parbhat on a video call with his cousin Rahul. (Supplied: Rahul)<\/p>\n

Not a unique experience<\/p>\n

His story is a familiar one for Albany migrant community leader Asha Bhat.<\/p>\n

“One young woman told me she had not shared another meal with another person in weeks,” Ms Bhat said.<\/p>\n

“This kind of silence eats away at you.”<\/p>\n

Ms Bhat believes there needs to be information sessions for international students that lay out what support services are available, and the importance of mental health care.<\/p>\n

“Migrants need more than jobs and study; they need connection, protection and belonging, so as a community we need to create spaces where they feel safe supported and valued,” Ms Bhat said.<\/p>\n

“No-one should feel as isolated and invisible as he did.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Asha<\/p>\n

Asha Bhat wants better support for international students. (ABC Great Southern: Piper Duffy)<\/p>\n

Studying under pressure<\/p>\n

The cost of international student fees can run into the tens of thousands of dollars and are often expected to be paid up-front.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, visa conditions limit overseas students to working no more than 24 hours per week.<\/p>\n

Rahul said his cousin found it hard to juggle tuition fees with living expenses.<\/p>\n

GCA chief financial officer Brodie Smith said the college had followed up with Parbhat when he stopped attending classes, and sent weekly communication.<\/p>\n

If you or anyone you know needs help:<\/p>\n