Suicide in India is a severe public health issue that has not received much attention. According to an Indian study, the 15-29 age group is the most vulnerable. In 2021, more than 60,000 young people died by suicide, where the suicide rate is reported to be 80 per 100,000 for females and 34 per 100,000 per males, respectively.
The Silent Crisis
Over the past, numerous studies have pointed out how suicide is a serious health concern in India, as time and time again, people have collectively failed to collaborate and unify to beat this threat from its core. The societal attitude retrains open discussions on mental health, where people talking about depression and anxiety are either stigmatized or ignored.
It is a “silent crisis” as people, including parents of victims and other family members or the general population at large, do not identify it as a crisis in the first place. It is considered an act of cowardice, which limits the possibility of genuinely identifying why people, primarily young adults, resort to such actions. The problem has turned itself into a crisis as more and more individuals aged 15-29 identify suicide as the only way out.
First, let’s answer these two questions in brief as they hold immense value, which directly or indirectly justifies why suicide rates are consistently increasing among young teens and adolescents.
Who is an adolescent?
An adolescent, particularly a young person, experiences specific physical, hormonal, and developmental alterations as they transition into adulthood. According to the WHO (World Health Organisation), adolescence is between 10 and 19. During this developmental stage, a person experiences many emotions and emotional ups and downs, often leading to anger, protest, and rebellion. Usually, adolescents may question whether they are regular or significant to people around them, including friends, parents, and other family members.
The stage indicates a period when young people develop skills to face and handle new challenges and manage emotions. During this stage, parents and guardians need to stick around people facing adolescence as their support and proper guidance influence what kind of a person they become when they grow up and how they engage with others around them.
What cognitive and psychological changes do adolescents go through before turning adults?
Adolescents develop certain executive functions and cognitive skills that help them control their thoughts and emotions. Such executive functions also help adolescents control their behaviour and coordinate their actions in a way that is accepted by people surrounding them and in a larger society. For example, working memory is considered a fundamental executive function that develops during adolescence, which determines the capacity of an individual to hold information that they receive from their surrounding environment.
There are a few psychosocial changes that adolescents go through, which help them develop new behaviours, thoughts, perceptions, and ideas. Such ideas and thoughts are then carried, shaping how they interact and behave with others once they become adults. During this period, mainly teens and young adults make impulsive decisions, affecting not only their lives but also people who are a part of their social circle and community. The incapability to handle such cognitive and psychosocial changes is one of the key reasons why young adults and teens all across the world resort to suicide as an act of self-relief and escape.
Reasons why the suicide rate of young adults and teens is rising in India
Academic Pressure
In 2023, more than 13,000 students in India were reported to commit suicide, which serves as a disturbing trend implicating the lack of support that they get in terms of counselling regarding academic life and qualification for success.
The competitive landscape of the Indian education system is one of the primary reasons why the rate of suicide has increased in the last decades. Students under the curriculum feel immense pressure to excel in their academic subjects and outperform one another, hoping to get the best jobs or start the best businesses. The problem stems from the entrance exams that students take part in to get into prestigious colleges and universities, where failure to meet certain expectations leads to extreme anxiety, stress, and sometimes depression.
The pressure to succeed arises from the societal norms which tend to equate academic success with self-worth and achievement, where failure signifies the loss of hope and a crippling sense of hopelessness. It is during these situations that students resort to the act of suicide by identifying it as a solution that provides an escape from the mess that society has created by glorifying academic success as the ultimate achievement.
Family Issues
Familial expectations concerning success and reputation have led teens and young adults to run an endless race with no purpose or scope for self-development and growth. Frequently, parents with the intent to achieve their unaccomplished self-goals shoulder undeserved responsibilities to their children, which makes them depressed and go insane if such dreams do not align with their self-requirements. Over time, this issue has affected teens, who have sacrificed their self-goals and chosen career options per the expectations and directions of their parents and other family members.
Relationship Complications
The emotional turmoil that an adolescent goes through in response to relationship complications, compared to an adult, is significantly more significant as they find no way of escape from the endless trail of pain and suffering. Relationship issues stem from romantic and familial relationships where unrequited love leads to rejection, despair, and loneliness. Often, a lack of emotional support or coping mechanisms leads to trauma, which transforms into suicidal thoughts in no time.
Unemployment
Unemployment in India has been a severe problem, affecting students and adults nationwide. Economic instability has been one of the leading causes of young adults and teens becoming increasingly insecure about their future. The pressure to meet necessary employment expectations has made young people face a series of mental disorders, including anxiety, depression, loneliness, hopelessness, and whatnot.
Lack of Availability of Essential Mental Health Resources
The unavailability of appropriate mental health resources stems from a societal propensity to ignore the harmful consequences of mental illness and lack of mental stability as serious problems. The issues of cognitive and psychological inability are considered less severe problems as they are not visible to the eye, unlike other physical ailments and illnesses. Hence, there is a lack of skilled counsellors and therapists who are capable of engaging in deep conversations with people facing psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. Moreover, the cost of such treatments is high, which makes a significant part of the population inaccessible to such facilities.
Despite people becoming aware of the consequences of mental instability, certain societal taboos restrict them from seeking required medical assistance before it’s too late. The smaller towns and rural areas are considered places that are the most vulnerable, as countless people, including young adults, irrespective of gender, commit suicide due to a lack of adequate medical help to support them in time of need.
Verdict
Suicide is never a solution. It is essential for the society that we live in to profess this thought to people, particularly the younger generation. It is the responsibility of grownups to act responsibly and respond to the problems of young people, particularly issues relating to mental health and psychological imbalances, with care and comfort. It is significantly vital to educate the younger generation on solutions that are now available to support their mental health so that they never have suicidal thoughts or consider suicide as an escape from all problems and complications.
FAQ
1. What is the most vulnerable age group for suicide in India?
The 15-29 age group is the most vulnerable to suicide in India.
2. Why is there a rise in suicide rates among young people in India?
Several factors contribute to this alarming trend, including:
Academic pressure: The competitive education system and societal expectations can lead to immense stress and anxiety.
Family issues: Unrealistic expectations from parents and family members can create emotional distress.
Relationship complications: Unrequited love, rejection, and loneliness can be overwhelming for young people.
Unemployment: Economic instability and the pressure to find a job can contribute to mental health issues.
Lack of mental health resources: Limited availability and accessibility of mental health services in many parts of India.
3. What are the signs and symptoms of suicidal thoughts?
Some common signs of suicidal thoughts include:
Talking about suicide or death
Giving away personal belongings
Sudden changes in behavior or mood
Loss of interest in activities
Feeling hopeless or helpless
Increased substance abuse
4. How can families and friends support someone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts?
Listen actively and non-judgmentally.
Encourage them to seek professional help.
Offer emotional support and companionship.
Avoid blaming or shaming the person.
Create a safe environment and remove potential hazards.
5. What are the steps being taken to address the issue of suicide in India?
Government initiatives: The government has launched various programs and campaigns to raise awareness about mental health and provide support services.
NGO efforts: Non-governmental organizations are working to provide counseling, support groups, and educational programs.
School and college initiatives: Schools and colleges are incorporating mental health education and counseling services into their programs.
Community-based initiatives: Local communities are organizing awareness campaigns and support groups.
It’s important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and there are resources available to support individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out to a mental health professional or helpline.
