Suicide: Taking One’s Life Impacts Many Lives
Exploring the multifaceted causes and the urgent need for interventions to combat rising suicide rates in India and beyond
Suicide is one of the leading causes of untimely, unnatural death, especially among teenagers and people below the age of thirty. It is the act of intentionally ending one’s own life for various reasons. Psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, failure to achieve targeted goals, loss of joy in life, reduced problem-solving ability, and impairment in emotional regulation increase the risk of suicide. Factors such as unemployment, poverty, discrimination, and homelessness also contribute to the risk.
Doctors and psychologists consider suicide attempts as symptoms of depression. A person with high moral strength may recover from depression and lead a normal life, but those who are discouraged often succumb to challenging situations and, tragically, take their own lives. Suicide is often associated with mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, personality disorders, schizophrenia, autism, obesity-related disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
People suffering from chronic painful diseases like cancer and AIDS may also end their lives. Sometimes family problems become a reason for suicide. A large number of students are currently ending their lives due to low grades or failure to compete in examinations.
According to an ICMR report, about 12% of Indian students suffer from psychological, emotional, and behavioural conditions. Sixty-three percent of students experience stress due to academic pressure, and 56% show symptoms of anxiety. Twenty-nine percent of students lack concentration, and 43% have mood swings. The constant use of smartphones has contributed to the mental health issues developing in students. Additionally, our education system does not impart moral and ethical values, leading to suicide attempts and the tragic loss of young minds.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that India is the most depressed country in the world. One in four Indian children in the 13-15 age group suffers from depression, and one in seven Indians between 15-24 years of age feels depressed and lacks interest in daily activities. In India, National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics show a consistent rise in the suicide rate, from 9.9 per lakh population in 2017 to 12.4 per lakh in 2022, ranging from 0.6 per lakh in Bihar to 43.1 per lakh in Sikkim.
According to WHO, more than 700,000 people die by suicide each year worldwide. Approximately 1.5% of all deaths globally are due to suicide, with 77% occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Suicide deaths are often underreported due to social, cultural, and legal concerns.
Economic conditions also play a role. In 64% of suicide cases, the person’s income has been found to be below Rs 1 lakh, while in 32% of cases, the income was between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 5 lakh.
Women have higher rates of suicidal thinking, non-fatal suicidal behaviour, and suicide attempts. Although women attempt suicide about three times more than men, the death rate from suicide is two to three times higher among men. This is because men tend to choose more violent methods, such as firearms or hanging, whereas women are more likely to use self-poisoning or exsanguination.
Attempted suicide is a crime in many countries. Assisted suicide occurs when a person helps another to die, either through advice or other means. In such cases, the person assisting bears greater responsibility. In some jurisdictions, assisting someone to die is illegal. Physician-Assisted Suicide (PAS) is an end-of-life measure for a person suffering from a painful, terminal illness. PAS is legal in some countries under specific conditions but remains illegal in others.
Suicide is a global issue that affects people throughout their lives. Therefore, effective, evidence-based interventions are essential to prevent it. Individuals, families, and societies must play a constructive role in saving lives and creating healthy, strong citizens. Most people contemplating suicide do not know who to talk to. Open conversations can provide them with alternatives or time to reconsider, thus preventing suicide.
Multiple psychosocial interventions, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), medication or a combination of medications, and team-based collaborative care approaches, have been assessed and can be applied to reduce the risk of suicide. The choice of intervention may vary based on individual needs.
The writer is a technocrat and educationist
By Er Prabhat Kishore
