Subhechcha Ganguly 
Suicidal tendency is a term that refers to the propensity of an individual to experience suicidal thoughts or attempt to commit suicide.World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is observed on 10th September every year. It was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), in conjunction with the WHO. It is predominantly concerned about acknowleging the gravity of suicide deaths, obliteration of stigma pertaining to suicides and creating awareness among organizations, government as well as the general public. It further focuses on upholding the necessity of preventing suicides.
Suicide is an emerging and serious public health concern in India. Data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) substantiates that in the recent year India has recorded an average of 381 suicides per day, contributing to 17.8 percentage of global suicide rate.This implies that India has one of the highest suicide rates in the region of south-east Asia. In 2021, the rate of suicide; ie, the number of death caused by suicide per one lakh population stood at 12. This is the highest rate of deaths inflicted by suicides since 1967, the earliest year for which data is available. Not withstanding the number of suicide deaths, the patterns inherent in these statistics such as; the predominance of youth, the rural-urban divide and gender-specific trends highlight the multi dimensional challenges confronted by India.The intersection of socio-economic pressures, cultural nuances and mental health stigma further exacerbate the crisis.
In addition to the hyper-competitive nature of India’s educational system with a limited number of seats in prestigious institutions, the emphasis on certain lucrative professions victimizes the students to immense mental pressure. Inability to meet these expectations can lead to an attempt to commit suicide. As many as 23 students have reportedly died by commiting suicide in Kota , Rajasthan in 2023.
Familial and societal expectations revolving around the institution of marriage, including demands with respect to dowry and child bearing can lead to the commission of suicide, specifically by women. The gravity of the situation is augmented by marital discord, domestic violence and forced unions.
Mental health disorders such as; depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder are significant contributors to suicide, especially when these conditions remain undiagnosed and untreated.The societal stigma surrounding mental health seldom prevent people from seeking medical help and rehabilitation.
In densely populated urban areas in particular, the economic disparities and lack of stable employment opportunities lead to financial instability, thereby leading to suicides.The agrarian sector has witnessed a surge in suicides due to hurdles such as; crop failure, rising debts, inability to repay loans and climate-induced challenges. The Inability to access modern agricultural tools, techniques and fair pricing further aggravate the vulnerability of the farmers.
In many parts of India, family honor is the most heinous of all factors which lead to abetment of suicide. Instances of perceived “dishonor” caused by inter-caste relationships can lead to the commission of suicide by the individuals involved in the relationship as well as the family members.
Caste-based discrimination and communal tensions have been sources of significant distress in the country. Marginalized individuals; specifically from the lower castes often face systemic discrimination which act as a trigger to suicide.
The major challenges pertaining to the curbing of suicides include; inadequate or underreporting of suicides, lack of comprehensive studies, limited mental health professionals, lack of adequate infrastructure, insufficient financial aid for projects pertaining to mental health and lack of general awareness.
Sensational reporting by the media can lead to the imitation of the means of the execution of suicide by individuals prone to suicide tendencies.
The decriminalization of homosexuality in 2018 (Section 377), has provided an impetus to a novel perspective on the mental health challenges confronted by the LGBTQ+ community. Despite the statutory progress, societal perspective is still evolving at a gradual pace. Several members who belong to this community grapple with concerns pertaining to identity, discrimination and mental health, thereby instigating the commission of suicide.
The act of commiting suicide was decriminalized in the year of 2017, making a transition from the perspective of punishment to rehabilitation and care. More helplines, NGOs and counseling centers are sprouting across urban centers, signaling a more proactive approach to the issue.
Few statutory provisions to address and prevent suicide include; Mental Healthcare Act 2017: (this landmark legislation not only decriminalized suicide but also emphasized on the rights of individuals with mental health issues to seek and receive quality care), District Mental Health Programme (DMHP): (launched as part of the National Mental Health Programme, DMHP aims to provide mental health services at the grassroots level, especially in rural and underserved areas),National Suicide Prevention Strategy 2022: (though still in the proposal phase, there have been ongoing discussions about implementing a dedicated nationwide strategy, involving multi-sectoral collaborations and evidence-based interventions), KIRAN: (the ministry of social justice and empowerment has launched a 24/7 toll-free helpline “KIRAN” to provide support for people suffering from anxiety, stress, depression, suicidal thoughts and other mental health concerns), Manodarpan Initiative:( Manodarpan was an initiative of the Ministry of Education under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
It was aimed to provide psychosocial support to students, family members and teachers for their mental health and well-being during the Covid-19 pandemic).
The interplay of multiple factors; such as societal expectations, economic pressures, mental health challenges and access to lethal means, converge to make suicide a pressing issue in India. Addressing it requires a multi-pronged, empathetic, and culturally sensitive approach.
Reference
https://prc.mohfw.gov.in/fileDownload?fileName=Suicide%20rates%20in%20India%20and%20its%20implications%20for%20National%20Mental%20Health%20Programme.pdf
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3554961/https://www.who.int/india/health-topics/suicide
https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/suicidal-patterns-in-india
