On World Suicide Prevention Day, observed annually on September 10, experts have underscored the pressing issue of suicide among young people in India, revealing that the country has the highest rates of youth suicide globally. The theme for this year’s observance is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” highlighting the urgent need to address and reform societal perceptions surrounding mental health and suicide.
Recent statistics paint a sobering picture: suicide ranks as the fourth leading cause of death among late adolescents aged 15 to 19 years in India. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), over 40 percent of suicide cases involve individuals under the age of 30. Prof. Nand Kumar, a distinguished psychiatrist from the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), disclosed to IANS that approximately 160 young people die by suicide every day in India—a figure nearly doubles the global average.
Prof. Kumar identified several contributing factors to the high incidence of youth suicide in India. These include stressful family environments, unstable emotional health, substance abuse, failed relationships, poor social bonds, and pervasive loneliness. The NCRB’s 2022 data reveals that a staggering 171,000 individuals succumbed to suicide in that year alone.
Dr. Shyam Bhat, a psychiatrist and Chairperson of LiveLoveLaugh, emphasized the gravity of suicide as a leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 39, labeling it a critical public health crisis both globally and within India. Dr. Jyoti Kapoor, Founder-Director and Senior Psychiatrist at Manasthali, noted that while the Indian government has initiated programs such as the National Mental Health Programme and the Kiran Helpline to tackle the mental health crisis and prevent suicides, more comprehensive measures are needed.
Dr. Kapoor stressed that increasing awareness, improving access to mental health care, and addressing underlying socioeconomic issues are crucial for reducing suicide rates. “Changing the narrative on suicide involves fostering open, compassionate conversations that challenge the stigma associated with mental health struggles,” she asserted.
Experts call for a collective societal effort to prevent suicides and support those grappling with emotional difficulties. Prof. Kumar advocates for a multi-faceted suicide prevention strategy that goes beyond mere risk screening. He suggests that effective policies should focus on enhancing social and emotional connectivity, encouraging physical and emotional activity, and promoting mindfulness.
The urgency to act is clear, as suicide remains one of the most significant public health challenges facing India today. By fostering a supportive environment, improving mental health resources, and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness, there is hope for reducing these alarming rates and offering a brighter future for the nation’s youth.
