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Suicide is defined as an act by which a person intentionally ends his or her own life. Each suicide is a tragedy! As an estimate, close to 8 lakh people die of suicide alone each year. For every person who commits suicide, there are at least 20 as many who attempt but survive.
The Indian data is even more alarming. As per the India State -level research study, 2016; it was found that whereas India contributes only 18% to the global population, the rates for suicide contributed globally are 37% by Indian women and 24% by Indian men. Not only this, majority of this number falls within the age bracket of 15 – 39 years which are the most productive years of any person’s life.
There are many contributers to suicide.
Mental health reasons: depression accounts for almost half of all suicides. Besides, substance use, schizophrenia, personality disorders, insomnia, OCD, PTSD and others are also known to increase the risk.
Physical health reasons : chronic pain syndromes, prolonged diseases like kidney ailments needing hemodialysis, HIV, cancer and others.
Socio-economic reasons: feelings of loss, financial stressors, relationship issues, unemployment amongst many others.
Besides these, a prior history of suicide attempt, a family history of completed suicide also increase the risk manifold.
Despite the alarming numbers, it’s important to note that suicide is a preventable public health problem. So, creating awareness and alleviating stigma can help people in distress seek timely support and recover from their challenges.
