Gone too soon — the subject of youth suicide in India

India grapples with a dire public health issue, recording the highest number of suicides globally, as reported by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). In 2022, the country saw 1.71 lakh suicide cases, marking the highest suicide rate of 12.4 per 100,000 population. Alarmingly, 41% of these suicides involve individuals under 30, making it the predominant cause of death among young women. This distressing trend underscores a loss that reverberates through families, communities, and the nation's future.

Key Points:

• Complex Causes: There's no singular cause for suicide among the youth; it results from a complex interplay of mental health issues, familial stresses, academic pressures, societal expectations, and more.

• Sociocultural Pressures: Specific factors like early and arranged marriages, domestic violence, and rigid gender roles significantly impact young women. Moreover, the educational system's focus on marks and competitive exams contributes to the stress leading to suicide.

• Lifestyle and Media Influence: Substance abuse, internet addiction, cyberbullying, and the media's portrayal of suicide also play critical roles in escalating the risk among young individuals.

• Preventative Measures: Solutions lie in educating youth on problem-solving, impulse control, and healthy lifestyles, alongside systemic changes in family environments, educational reforms, and societal attitudes towards stigma and discrimination.

Additional Insights:

• The rise in internet usage and social media's pervasive role has been linked to increased suicide risks, necessitating digital literacy and moderation.

• The aftermath of celebrity suicides, highlighted by sensational media coverage, can trigger a surge in suicidal behavior, indicating the need for responsible reporting.

Keywords Explained:

• NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau): Government agency responsible for collecting and analyzing crime data, including suicide rates.

• Cyberbullying: The use of digital platforms to harass, threaten, or humiliate someone, significantly impacting young people's mental health.

Published in : The Hindu

Date appeared in newspaper : 08 April 2024

Link to the article (might require a paid subscription) : https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/2024-04-08/th_international/articleGPSCL2F37-6390524.ece

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