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Suicide in India has become a significant public health issue, with 170,000 deaths in 2022 (12 per 100,000 individuals). Despite advancements in healthcare and social welfare, suicide rates continue to rise, especially among young adultsand vulnerable groups. Factors such as mental health issues, economic distress, and social pressures exacerbate the situation, highlighting the need for a multi-faceted approach.

Suicide Remains a Public Health Issue in India as

• High Suicide Rates Among Vulnerable Groups Despite progress in healthcare, groups like students, farmers, and women remain highly vulnerable to suicide due to stress, isolation, and social pressures.
  For example: In 2021, over 10,732 student suicides were reported, with 864 due to exam failure, showcasing the pressure of academic success.
• Gender Disparities in Suicide Rates India has a notably high suicide rate among women, which is double the global average, driven by societal pressures and gender-based challenges.
  For instance: Women aged 15-39 are disproportionately affected, and factors like domestic violence and social expectations contribute significantly to their suicide risk.
• Economic Distress Economic hardships, especially among farmers and daily wage workers, drive individuals towards suicide due to debt, poverty, and limited access to healthcare.
• Lack of Mental Health Services Despite healthcare advancements, access to mental health services in rural areas remains limited, leading to untreated mental health conditions.
  For instance: The National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) is underfunded and lacks reach, particularly in areas with high suicide rates.
• Stigma Around Mental Health Mental health remains stigmatised in India, preventing individuals from seeking help, particularly among youth and rural populations.
  For instance: Despite campaigns like Manodarpan, many individuals avoid counseling due to societal stigma, contributing to untreated mental illnesses and rising suicide rates.

Need to Treat Suicide as a Public Health Problem in India

• Preventable Nature of Suicide: Suicide is largely preventable through timely interventions, counseling, and community support, necessitating a public health approach.
  For example: Programs like KIRAN, a toll-free mental health helpline, provide crucial support, but such efforts need to be expanded nationwide for broader impact.
• High Economic Costs of Suicide: Suicide impacts India’s economy, with the loss of productive lives leading to economic hardship for families and communities.
  For example: The WHO estimates that mental health-related productivity losses cost India about $1 trillion by 2030 if left unaddressed.
• Increasing Mental Health Burden: With rising cases of depression and anxiety, addressing suicide from a public health perspective can reduce the burden on healthcare systems.
  For instance: The Mental Healthcare Act (MHA) 2017 decriminalized suicide and recognized it as a mental health issue, but its implementation needs to be more widespread and robust.
• Global Health Goal Alignment: Treating suicide as a public health issue aligns with global health goals, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to reduce global suicide rates.
  For instance: National Suicide Prevention Strategy (2023) aims for a 10% reduction in suicides by 2030, contributing to global health initiatives.
• Role of Public Awareness: Public health campaigns can reduce the stigma around mental health, encourage early intervention, and make suicide prevention a national priority.
  For instance: World Suicide Prevention Day is observed annually to raise awareness, but more sustained, localized efforts are needed for long-term results in India.

Suggested Way Forward

• Strengthening Mental Health Infrastructure: Expanding mental health services through investments in healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas, is essential.
  For instance: The National Health Mission must focus on creating mental health centres in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to reach more people.
• Comprehensive Suicide Data Collection: Collaborating with police and healthcare departments to standardize suicide data collection will help in identifying vulnerable groups and risk factors.
  For instance: The NCRB can integrate data from health departments to offer a more comprehensive view of the causes of suicide across India.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Increasing public awareness through national campaigns can help reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek mental health support.
  For example: The Sadak Suraksha campaign reduced accidents; a similar model can be used for mental health and suicide prevention.
• School-Based Mental Health Programs: Introducing mental health education in schools can help students cope with academic pressure and emotional challenges.
  For example: The Manodarpan initiative under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan aims to provide psychosocial support to students and teachers.
• Strengthening Support Systems for Vulnerable Groups: Providing targeted support for high-risk groups like farmers, students, and daily wage workers can help alleviate stressors leading to suicide.

Suicide remains a pressing public health issue in India. Addressing it requires a holistic approach, integrating mental health support, economic relief, and community engagement. By improving infrastructure, reducing stigma, and focusing on vulnerable populations, India can make substantial progress in preventing suicides and aligning with global goals like the WHO’s 2030 target of reducing suicide rates.

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