World Suicide Prevention Day: Suicide is not a solution to any problems

Human life is invaluable. Every day, we witness instances of suicides ranging from ordinary people to celebrities. It is crucial to build resilience and mental strength. To spread awareness on this issue, World Suicide Prevention Day is observed globally on September 10 every year.

This Year’s Theme

The World Health Organization (WHO) observes World Suicide Prevention Day every two years with a specific theme. For 2024-2026, the theme is “Changing the Narrative of Suicide.” The focus is on talking to individuals who may attempt suicide and sharing their pain, with the goal of saving them from danger.

Global Scenario

Every year, over 7 lakh people die by suicide worldwide, and 20 times more attempt it. Many others even think about it. According to the WHO’s latest report, 10.9 people out of 1 lakh die by suicide globally. Of these, 73% are from the middle class and economically disadvantaged groups.

India’s Story

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data from 2022, 1.7 lakh people die by suicide annually in India. Of this, 1.21 lakh are men and 44,000 are women. Causes of death are varied — 58% due to hanging, 25% poisoning, 5% drowning, and 2.8% due to accidents. The shocking fact is that the majority of suicides occur among people aged 18 to 45.

What Does the 2024 Report Say?

A recent NCRB report titled “The Epidemic of Student Suicides” highlighted that student suicides are rising faster than India’s annual population growth rate. The number of student suicides, which stood at 6,654 in 2013, has doubled to 13,044 by 2023.

Expert Opinion

Psychologists say that one person’s suicide affects 125 others. In recent years, suicides among individuals aged 15-29 have surged. This is a crucial phase for both mental and physical development. While social and economic conditions, depression, and mental health issues are common causes of suicide, every case is unique, says Dr. Virupaksha Devarmane, a psychiatrist at Dr. A.V. Baliga Memorial Hospital, Udupi.

How to Curb the Suicide Trend?

• Create an open environment at home where children can talk freely.
• Establish counseling centers at schools and colleges.
• Foster positive thinking.
• Encourage students to engage in extracurricular activities.
• Pay attention to the mental health of students.
• Parents should have regular and supportive conversations with their children.

Continuous Efforts in Suicide Prevention

World Suicide Prevention Day should not be limited to a single day. Continuous discussions, conversations with affected individuals, and efforts to instill confidence must take place every day. The role of parents, teachers, and organizations is vital in these efforts.

-Translated version of Kannada article by Vijaykumar Hiremath