In India, the silent crisis of suicide continues to claim numerous lives, A total of 1,70,924 suicides were reported in the country during 2022 showing an increase of 4.2% in comparison to 2021 and the rate of suicides has increased by 3.3% during 2022 over 2021.
The suicide rate has increased to 12.4 per 1,00,000 — the highest rate ever recorded in India.
Behind every number is a struggling person, a student overwhelmed by the academic expectations, a farmer burdened by financial struggles or someone struggling with relationship issues.
Each life lost to suicide is a tragedy that has its rippling effect through families and society. Yet, the most saddening truth is that many of these deaths could have been prevented with the right support.
Factors contributing to suicide:
Mental Health Conditions: Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions can increase the risk of suicide.
Substance Abuse: Alcohol and drug abuse can contribute to suicidal thoughts.
Financial Stress: Financial issues, job loss, and debt can lead to feelings of hopelessness.
Academic pressure: The pressure to achieve high academic performance, meet career goals, and excel in competitive exams can cause extreme stress, especially among students.
Social Isolation: Loneliness and lack of support can contribute to worthlessness and isolation.
Relationship issues: Breakups and relationship problems can trigger emotional stress.
In a world where stress and pressure are becoming so common, the need for compassion, connection and mental health support has never been greater. It’s time to break the silence and create an environment where seeking help is seen as a strength, not a weakness.
There is a need for open communication, not just within our families, but on a broader societal level. It’s time to act. Suicide is not a distant issue, its right here, affecting people, and if we don’t start a meaningful conversation, more lives will be lost.
By initiating talks about mental health and suicide prevention, we can create an environment where people would feel safe to reach out for help.
This isn’t just about raising awareness, but also about taking an action.
On World Suicide Prevention Day, we must commit to taking concrete steps to prevent suicide. This includes:
- Awareness: Educating public about the signs and symptoms of suicide and encouraging open conversations.
- Mental Health Initiatives: Supporting initiatives that promote mental health.
- Involvement: Supporting friends and family who may be struggling.
By working together, we can create a world where suicide is preventable.
Remember, you are not alone. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please seek help. Download Saksham to reach out for resources.