Published on: September 10, 2024

Dr Preeti Chauhan (Department Head – National Policy, Pallium India) writes:

As we observe World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th, it’s crucial to acknowledge the devastating impact of suicide worldwide. The statistics are alarming – over 726,000 people die by suicide annually, with 73% of global suicides occurring in low- and middle-income countries. In India alone, a staggering 171,000 suicides were reported in 2022, the highest ever recorded.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds, with men being twice as likely to die by suicide as women. Shockingly, over half of all suicide deaths occur before the age of 50.

But suicide doesn’t just affect the young and healthy. Chronically ill patients and those suffering from serious health issues, including their caregivers, are also at risk. The emotional toll of managing a debilitating condition, coupled with financial stress and social isolation, can be overwhelming.

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported a national average of 12 suicides per 100,000 population in 2021. This translates to approximately 1.65 lakh suicides that year. Notably, ‘illness’ was the second-leading cause of suicide, accounting for 18.6% of all reported cases. This highlights the critical need to address the intersection of mental and physical health in suicide prevention efforts in India.

Furthermore, the NCRB data further reveals that:

• 75% of suicide victims were men
• 66% of suicides occurred among younger individuals (18-45 years old)
• Family problems were the leading cause of suicide (33.2%)
• Daily wage earners made up 25% of suicide victims
• Students accounted for 8% of all suicides

These statistics underscore the importance of addressing the complex factors contributing to suicide, particularly the role of illness and mental health.

It’s essential to recognize the warning signs and risk factors, including financial stress, social pressures, mental health issues, and environmental factors. By understanding the complexities of suicide, we can work towards prevention.

However, the true extent of India’s suicide crisis remains underestimated due to underreporting and misclassification of suicide deaths. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported a suicide rate of 12 per 100,000 population in 2021, but research suggests that male suicides may be underreported by 27% and female suicides by as much as 50%.

The lack of data on attempted suicide and the absence of a standardized system for collecting and analyzing suicide data further exacerbate the issue. The responsibility of responding to suicide should fall within the purview of the public health system, not exclusively the police.

Decriminilisation of suicide and subsequent effects:

Attempted suicide was previously punishable under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), carrying a maximum sentence of one year. This archaic provision criminalized individuals struggling with mental health issues, perpetuating stigma and hindering seeking help. Now, with decriminalization, this provision has been repealed, and attempted suicide is no longer a criminal offense. 

This significant shift in approach focuses on support and mental health services, aligning with the World Health Organization’s recommendations for effective suicide prevention strategies. Decriminalization enables individuals to access help without fear of prosecution, promoting a rights-based approach to mental health care.

To address this crisis, we also need to:

Implement evidence-based surveillance systems to collect data on attempted suicide and suicide
Enforce mandatory psychological autopsies for each suicide
Shift the responsibility of data collection from the police to the public health system

Important Helplines:

• Tele MANAS Helpline (24/7): 14416, 1-800-891-4416 (Toll-free)
• National Suicide Prevention Helpline (24/7): 1800-233-3330 (Toll-free)
• Vandrevala Foundation Helpline (24/7): 1860-2662-345 or 1800-2333-330 (Toll-free)

Action Points:

• Share helpline information with others who might need support
• Encourage open conversations about mental health
• Support suicide prevention initiatives and awareness programs
• Educate yourself on mental health resources and terminology
• Reach out to those who may be struggling, and listen without judgment