New Delhi, September 10 (IANS). A shocking statistic came out on ‘World Suicide Prevention Day’. According to this, Indian youth are committing the highest number of suicides in the world.
‘World Suicide Prevention Day’ is celebrated every year on 10 September to make people, especially the youth, aware.
Suicide is estimated to be the fourth leading cause of death among adolescents (15-19 years) in India. According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), more than 40 percent of all suicide cases occur among youth under the age of 30.
Professor Nand Kumar of the Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS, while speaking to IANS said, “The number of youth committing suicide in India is very high. The number of youth committing suicide in India is almost double the global average. About 160 youth commit suicide every day in India.”
He said, “There are many reasons why people are forced to commit suicide such as stressful family environment, unstable emotional health, substance abuse, failed interpersonal relationships, bad relationships among friends and loneliness.”
According to the NCRB data, in 2022, 1.71 lakh people died by suicide.
Speaking to IANS, psychiatrist Dr Shyam Bhat said, “Suicide, the leading cause of death among persons aged 15 to 39, is one of the biggest public health crises globally and in our country.”
Dr. Jyoti Kapoor, Founder Director and Senior Psychiatrist of Manasthali, says in this regard, “The government has started several services like National Mental Health Program and Kiran Helpline to address mental health crisis and prevent suicide.”
“Greater awareness and access to care are key to reducing suicide rates. We also need to change the narrative around suicide so that there can be open and positive conversations to break the stigma around mental health struggles,” he added.
The important thing is that suicide is not the solution to any problem. Do not be disappointed by defeat, there is bitterness in the relationship or there is no need to panic if dreams are not fulfilled. Life is full of ups and downs and with each passing day you come one step closer to success. Therefore, give up the feeling of despair and start working towards fulfilling your dreams.
–IANS
PSM/ABM