SUICIDE ITS CAUSES, STATISTICS IN INDIA AND WHAT WE CAN DO AS AN INDIVIDUAL
Suicide is a global public health concern, and India is no exception. Suicide is a leading cause of death in India, with an estimated 1,39,123 deaths by suicide reported in 2019. The suicide rate in India is also higher than the global average, with an estimated 10.9 suicides per 100,000 population. The reasons for suicide are complex and multifaceted, including factors such as mental illness, social and economic challenges, and cultural norms.
There are several sources of data on suicide in India, including:
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB): The NCRB is responsible for collecting and publishing crime statistics in India, including data on suicides. The NCRB publishes an annual report called “Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India,” which provides detailed information on suicide deaths in India.
World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO collects data on suicide from member countries and publishes a global report on suicide every year. The report includes data on suicide rates, methods of suicide, and risk factors for suicide.
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR): The ICMR is a research organization that conducts health research in India. The ICMR has conducted several studies on suicide in India, including a recent study on the impact of COVID-19 on suicide rates in India.
Global Burden of Disease (GBD): The GBD is a research initiative that measures the impact of diseases and injuries on populations around the world. The GBD includes data on suicide rates and the burden of suicide on individuals and communities.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs): Several NGOs in India work on suicide prevention and collect data on suicide in their communities. These organizations often provide support and resources to individuals at risk of suicide and their families.
It is important to note that suicide is a complex issue, and data collection and reporting methods can vary across organizations and regions. As such, it is important to consider multiple sources of data when examining suicide trends in India.
The latest suicide statistics in India are from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report for the year 2019, which was released in September 2020. According to the report, there were 139,123 reported cases of suicide in India in 2019.
The report also highlights that the suicide rate in India was 10.4 per 100,000 population in 2019, which is a slight decrease from the previous year’s rate of 10.6. However, suicide remains a significant public health concern in India.
Some of the key findings from the NCRB report include:
The majority of suicide victims in India were male (76.3%) and in the age group of 18-45 years (50.9%).The most common causes of suicide in India were family problems (32.4%), illness (17.1%), and marriage-related issues (5.5%).
The southern states of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and West Bengal reported the highest number of suicides in the country.
Other sources of suicide statistics in India include the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Indian
Council of Medical Research (ICMR). However, the most comprehensive and widely cited data on suicide in India comes from the NCRB report.
There can be many factors that contribute to someone thinking about or attempting suicide. Suicide is a
complex issue, and it is often the result of a combination of risk factors, including mental health
disorders, substance abuse, stressful life events, and a lack of social support.
Some common risk factors for suicide include:
Mental health disorders: Individuals with mental health disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance abuse disorders, are at a higher risk for suicide.
Previous suicide attempts: Those who have attempted suicide in the past are at an increased risk of
attempting it again.
Trauma and abuse: People who have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, or have been exposed to trauma, are at higher risk for suicide.
Social isolation: Individuals who feel socially isolated, disconnected, or lack a support network are at
higher risk of suicide.
Chronic illness and pain: Chronic physical illness or pain can increase the risk of suicide.
It is important to note that suicidal thoughts and behaviors are not a sign of weakness, and people who experience them should seek professional help immediately.
As individuals, there are steps we can take to help reduce the number of suicides in India. Here are some
things we can do:
Break the stigma around mental health: Many people in India still view mental illness as a taboo subject, which can prevent individuals from seeking help. By breaking the stigma around mental health, we can encourage individuals to seek help and reduce the risk of suicide.
Be aware of the warning signs: Knowing the warning signs of suicide can help us identify when someone is at risk and take action. Warning signs can include talking about wanting to die, increased substance use, social withdrawal, and changes in mood and behavior.
Reach out for help: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it is important to seek help. There are several resources available, including hotlines, support groups, and mental health professionals. Talking about suicidal thoughts can be difficult, but it is essential to seek help as soon as possible.
Be supportive: Individuals who are struggling with suicidal thoughts may feel isolated and alone. By offering support and being a listening ear, we can help individuals feel supported and cared for. This can include simple gestures such as checking in on someone, listening without judgment, and offering to accompany them to therapy or support groups.
Advocate for change: Suicide prevention is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. By advocating for change at the individual, community, and societal level, we can help create a safer and more supportive environment for those who may be at risk.
In conclusion, suicide is a significant public health concern in India, and there are steps we can take as individuals to help reduce the number of suicides. By breaking the stigma around mental health, being aware of warning signs, seeking help, offering support, and advocating for change, we can help create a safer and more supportive environment for those at risk of suicide. At Inner Light, we are committed to raising awareness about suicide prevention and providing resources and support to those in need.
