Suicide : an analytical study
Suicides in India rose 10 per cent from 2019 to an all-time high of 1,53,052 in the pandemic year of 2020...
Suicide : an analytical study
Suicides in India rose 10 per cent from 2019 to an all-time high of 1,53,052 in the pandemic year of 2020, with student suicides seeing the highest percentage increase at 21.20 per cent, according to the latest data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
In terms of absolute numbers, daily wage earners made up the largest share of total suicides at 37,666 in 2020, according to the ‘Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India, 2020’ report. The increase in suicides recorded in 2020 was the highest since 1982, when it increased by 11.15 per cent to 44,732 from 1981.
The NCRB report divides suicides into nine categories — apart from daily wagers, housewives and people working in the farm sector, the deaths are listed under ‘professionals/salaried persons’, ‘students’, ‘self-employed persons’, ‘retired persons’, and ‘others’.
Self-harm is the top reason for adolescent or youth deaths in India causing close to 60,000 deaths annually in the age group of 15-24 years, a latest global study shows. It is also the biggest reason for disability among youths. Selfharm inclu des suicide, attempted suicide or any form of self-inflicted wounds. Selfharm is followed by road injuries leading to over 37,000 mortality in the same age group during 2013.
The findings are part of a research conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) based on 2013 data. The data shows self-harm has increased rapidly over the last two decades, indicating a rise in stress, mental disorders and changing lifestyle and behavioural patterns. In 1990, self-harm caused a total of 37,630 deaths among youngsters between 15-24 years age.
Behind each suicide and attempt is a long-term struggle of these individuals as well as experiences of trauma and distress among their relatives and friends. Together, it is evident that suicide prevention comprises a global priority.
Suicide is a highly complex and multifaceted phenomenon, with many contributing and facilitating variables. It may be determined by the interaction between various factors, such as neurobiology, personal and family history, stressful events, and sociocultural environment (3). Given its being one of the most severe human behaviors, a distinct focus would be to identify the underlying psychological processes that may lead to suicidal ideation and behavior.
Every suicide is a tragedy, and to some degree a mystery.
Suicide often stems from a deep feeling of hopelessness. The inability to see solutions to problems or to cope with challenging life circumstances may lead people to see taking their own lives as the only solution to what is really a temporary situation, and most survivors of suicide attempts go on to live full, rewarding lives.
There are many myths about suicide. One is the mistaken belief that talking about it to a person in danger encourages the act. If a loved one expresses thoughts or plans of suicide, it’s essential to initiate a conversation. It is wise to approach the discussion by identifying concrete resources such as a therapist or suicide prevention hotline, and to conclude the conversation with a stated commitment to follow up with the person over time.
Be direct with the person by asking the following questions:
* How are you coping with your challenges?
* Are you thinking about hurting yourself?
* Are you thinking about dying?
* Are you thinking about suicide?
Anyone who is experiencing persistent suicidal thoughts or behaviors should seek help as soon as possible. In the midst of a crisis, the best resources are usually suicide hotlines—staffed by people who are trained to both talk someone through an immediate crisis and to connect them with additional help in their area—crisis centers, or local authorities. Beyond that, seeking the help of a trained mental health professional is the best way to ward off future crises and sustain well-being over time.
Another solution is to talk and vent to someone, It's so baffling that we are surrounded by people whom we feel are our friends and companions however when it comes to talking about needing support we often find comfort in strangers… because deep within, we all know that a stranger wouldn’t judge us.
Our Community, Ava aims to make the internet a kinder place where you can truly express yourself (anonymously if you want) and seek help from others.