Why We Need to Treat Suicide Like a Public Health Emergency
Posted by admin on 2024-09-10 |
Yesterday marked World Suicide
Prevention Day—a moment to confront one of the world’s most troubling issues.
Suicide claims around 700,000 lives each year, and India faces one of the
highest numbers, with at least 170,000 deaths in 2022 alone. That's 12 people
per 100,000—an overwhelming statistic. But behind these numbers are real lives,
real families, and real communities grappling with loss and devastation.
The truth is, suicide is a complex
issue. It’s not just about mental health, though that’s a major factor. Stress,
financial hardship, family issues, domestic violence, bullying, trauma, and
even a lack of access to proper healthcare play a huge role in driving someone
to such a tragic end. The more we understand the root causes, the better chance
we have of preventing it.
More Than Just Mental Health
So far, the focus has been on mental
health conditions like depression and anxiety. But in countries like India,
it’s not just about mental health—it’s about survival in a tough world.
Poverty, social inequality, and intergenerational conflicts are just as
critical in understanding why so many people, especially young adults, feel
there’s no way out.
When talking about suicide, we can’t
overlook the numbers that show a massive gender gap. Globally, more men die by
suicide than women, and this trend is true in India too. But here's the
alarming part: the suicide rate among Indian women is double the global
average. For women aged 15-39, suicide is the leading cause of death. These
women face pressures that reflect deeper societal issues—gender-based violence,
body image problems, and stress over academics or careers. It’s heartbreaking,
but it’s a sign of a bigger issue: society isn’t supporting its most
vulnerable.
It’s Not Just Farmers and Students
Indian media often highlights
student and farmer suicides. But the problem goes beyond these groups. People
aged 15-39 make up the majority of suicide cases, which includes everyone from
students to young professionals, job seekers, and even housewives. Each of
these groups has their own set of challenges, and we need to look closely at
the factors affecting them all.
We Need Better Data
One major hurdle in solving the
suicide crisis in India is the lack of proper data. Most information comes from
the National Crimes Record Bureau (NCRB), which collects data from the police.
But this data isn’t standardized, making it difficult to use for research. The
problem is, without better data, we’re left guessing. We need collaboration
between health departments and law enforcement to gather accurate, relevant
information. This will help identify trends, determine which groups are most at
risk, and guide efforts to prevent suicide more effectively.
Right now, the data doesn’t give us
a clear picture of the real reasons behind suicides. For example, we know
students are dying by suicide, but are they doing it because of exam pressure,
bullying, or relationship problems? It’s hard to tell because the NCRB doesn’t provide
this level of detail. We need more investment in gathering both quantitative
and qualitative data to figure out what’s really going on and where resources
are most needed.
Breaking the Silence Is Key
One of the most powerful ways to
prevent suicide is through conversation. Talking about suicide openly helps
remove the stigma, making it easier for people to seek help. Families, in
particular, play a huge role in providing emotional support, spotting warning
signs, and encouraging loved ones to reach out for help. Creating a safe space
where people can express their feelings without judgment can literally save
lives.
What Can Be Done
Preventing suicide requires support
systems at every level of society. This means improving access to mental health
care, educating teachers, employers, and healthcare providers, and ensuring
that crisis intervention resources are easily available. Social isolation is
also a big risk factor—people who feel connected and supported are more likely
to reach out for help when they need it. We need to look out for each other,
pay attention to warning signs, and make sure help is there when it’s needed
most. Yesterday was a reminder to be there for those who are struggling and to
advocate for better mental health resources and support systems.
