Mental health promotion needed to reduce suicides

The World Health Organisation estimates 800,000 suicides occur every year worldwide. The data in India as per the National Crime Records Bureau from 2021 finds around 164,000 deaths by suicide which makes up about 20 per cent of the world’s figure.

- VIJAYKUMAR HARBISHETTAR

This number could be more because there may be several unreported or ‘unsure’ verdicts. The states of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu consistently recorded the highest number for three years.

For every suicide, there are 25 attempts in young and four attempts among elderly people. Every suicide or attempt brings distress to the family members in addition to facing societal stigma. Suicides are common across all age groups. They occur in rich or poor, in high- or low-income countries. The majority of likely causes are family-related problems, illness, addiction to drugs or alcohol, marital problems, and love affairs.

Stressful events directly hamper mental health. Difficulties in childhood due to marital problems in parents, bad experiences in school such as being bullied, being unable to attain academic standards or meet expectations of the family, or repeated humiliation due to poor academic performance can all contribute to mental health problems. Many children may be without siblings and both parents may work, which may mean they miss out on sharing their worries, and feelings. This can continue to build up. There is a need to provide life-skills training, and resiliencebuilding in all secondary school students. Stress, mental health, coping, meditation, and concepts of mindfulness may also be taught as part of the school curriculum.