World Health Day, which is observed every year on April 7, unites us around health equity, an essential topic at the heart of global health and justice. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared health to be a fundamental human right. The theme this year is “My Health, My Right”.

1. Suicides in India

Suicide, characterized by the deliberate and conscious act of ending one's own life, is a deeply tragic occurrence with far-reaching consequences. In India, this phenomenon has reached alarming proportions, earning the country the unfortunate distinction of having the highest number of suicides globally.

Statistics and Trends

According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), a staggering 1.71 lakh individuals took their own lives in 2022. The suicide rate has surged to 12.4 per 1,00,000 individuals, marking the highest rate ever recorded in India. However, these figures likely underestimate the true scale of the problem due to various factors, including deficiencies in the registration system, lack of proper medical certification of death, pervasive stigma, and more.

Youth Vulnerability

A particularly concerning aspect is that 41% of all suicides in India are committed by individuals below the age of 30. Among this demographic, suicide is the leading cause of mortality for young women. The frequency is alarming, with a young Indian taking their own life every eight minutes. This loss not only impacts families and communities but also has repercussions on the economy and the nation's future.

Suicide among the youth constitutes a significant public health challenge in India. Addressing this issue requires urgent attention and comprehensive intervention strategies to safeguard the well-being of the nation's young population.

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) is an Indian government agency tasked with collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information related to crime and criminal justice in the country. Established in 1986 under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the NCRB plays a crucial role in providing data-driven insights to support law enforcement agencies, policymakers, researchers, and the public.

Functions and Responsibilities

• The primary function of the NCRB is to collect comprehensive data on various aspects of crime, including offences, arrests, convictions, and related socio-demographic information.
• The bureau analyzes the collected data to identify trends, patterns, and emerging issues in crime and criminal justice. This analysis helps in formulating evidence-based policies and strategies to address crime effectively.
• NCRB disseminates its findings through various reports, publications, and online platforms to facilitate informed decision-making by stakeholders and promote transparency in the criminal justice system.
• The bureau conducts research and develops methodologies for improving crime data collection, analysis, and reporting practices. It also collaborates with national and international organizations to enhance its capabilities in crime prevention and control.

Key Reports and Publications

• This annual publication provides detailed statistics on crime across different states and union territories, including crime rates, trends, and profiles of offenders and victims.
• It offers insights into the prison population, infrastructure, and rehabilitation programs across the country.
• This report presents data on accidental deaths and suicides, along with their causes, trends, and demographic characteristics.
• It focuses on cybercrime trends, types of offences, and law enforcement responses to address the growing challenges in cyberspace.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its significant role, the NCRB faces challenges such as data reliability, completeness, and timeliness. Critics argue that underreporting of certain crimes and discrepancies in data collection methods may affect the accuracy of its reports. Additionally, there have been calls for greater transparency and independence in the functioning of the bureau to enhance its credibility and effectiveness in combating crime.

In November 2019, the Ministry of Health initiated the formation of a task force dedicated to crafting a comprehensive National Suicide Prevention Strategy for India. After meticulous development, the final strategy was officially launched on November 21, 2022, with a bold objective of curbing suicide rates by 10% by the year 2030.

Inter-Ministerial Collaboration

Recognizing the multifaceted nature of suicide prevention, the strategy underscores the critical importance of collaboration among various ministries, including Health, Education, Information and Broadcasting, and Social Welfare. By harnessing the collective efforts of these sectors, the strategy aims to maximize its impact and reach.

Focus on Educational and Youth Initiatives

A central focus of the strategy lies in leveraging educational institutions and youth organizations as platforms for mental health promotion and the mitigation of substance and behavioural addictions. Through initiatives such as school health ambassadors and youth clubs, the strategy seeks to empower young individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to prioritize mental well-being.

Dissemination and Implementation

With the strategy now in place, the immediate priority is to ensure its widespread dissemination across all states in India and among relevant stakeholders. Adequate budgetary allocations are imperative to support the implementation of these strategies at the state, district, and community levels. Urgent action is needed to kickstart the execution of these initiatives, translating vision into tangible outcomes for the benefit of all.

Suicide is a complex phenomenon influenced by a multitude of factors, making it futile to attribute it to a single cause. Among young individuals, suicide is best understood as a result of various interacting elements, including biological, psychological, familial, and sociocultural factors.

Identified Risk Factors

A recent review of adolescent suicides in India highlights several common risk factors. Mental health issues were reported in 54% of cases, followed by negative family dynamics (36%), academic stress (23%), social and lifestyle factors (20%), violence (22%), economic distress (9.1%), and relationship issues (9%). Other contributing factors include physical and sexual abuse, academic failure, conflicts with parents, and caste discrimination.

Gender-Specific Factors

Young girls and women face specific sociocultural challenges that contribute to suicide risk. These include arranged and early marriages, young motherhood, low social status, domestic violence, and economic dependence. Gender-based discrimination and rigid societal expectations also play a role in exacerbating vulnerability.

Educational Pressures

The education system in India, characterized by intense competition and emphasis on academic performance, adds to the stress faced by young individuals. The pressure to excel in exams, coupled with parental expectations, can be overwhelming. Failures in exams, especially in highly competitive fields, often lead to despair and suicidal ideation.

Substance Use and Internet Addiction

Alcohol and substance abuse are known risk factors for youth suicide. Additionally, the proliferation of internet use among young people has introduced new challenges. A significant proportion of college students are addicted to the internet, with cyberbullying contributing to suicidal behaviour, particularly among vulnerable individuals.

Media Influence

The media, including social media platforms, can significantly impact vulnerable youth. Sensational reporting of suicides, especially those involving celebrities, can trigger copycat behaviour. Following the death of a popular actor, for example, there was a surge in searches related to suicide methods on Google, illustrating the influence of media portrayal on suicidal behaviour among young people.

The prevailing belief that suicides are beyond prevention due to individual choice or uncontrollable socio-economic factors must be challenged. It's crucial to recognize that for many young individuals contemplating suicide, there are viable alternatives to resolve their issues.

Empowering Young People

Equipping young people with essential skills such as problem-solving, impulse control, and emotional regulation can significantly reduce suicidal behaviour. Promoting help-seeking behaviour and creating a youth-friendly environment for mental health care is imperative for early identification and intervention.

Promoting Healthy Lifestyles

Encouraging a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and responsible internet usage, can bolster mental well-being and mitigate the risk of suicide among the youth. Building supportive friendships and practising activities like yoga and meditation further contribute to mental health resilience.

Strengthening Family Dynamics

Addressing issues within the family environment, such as reducing domestic violence and alcohol consumption, is pivotal in curbing suicidal behaviour among young individuals. Providing economic assistance to vulnerable families can alleviate financial stressors that contribute to suicidal ideation.

Educational Reforms

Reforming the education system to incorporate alternative assessment methods and nurturing individual potential is essential. Creating a conducive learning environment that prioritizes holistic development over academic performance can alleviate the intense pressure faced by students.

Combatting Societal Stigma

Efforts to combat stigma and discrimination based on caste, religion, and sexuality are crucial in creating a more inclusive society. By fostering acceptance and tolerance, societal attitudes towards marginalized groups can be transformed, reducing the social pressures that contribute to suicidal behaviour.

Collaborative Action

Addressing youth suicide requires concerted efforts from all sectors of society. Political commitment, intersectoral collaboration, and active community participation are indispensable in implementing effective prevention strategies and creating supportive environments for vulnerable young individuals.

6. Conclusion

Preventing youth suicide in India requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and the broader community. By working together and prioritizing mental health and well-being, we can create a society where every young person feels valued, supported, and equipped to overcome life's challenges without resorting to self-harm. Through collective action and sustained commitment, we can strive towards a future where every individual has the opportunity to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.