A Silent Crisis: Suicides Amongst Young People in India
India accounts for nearly one third of world suicides, although it only makes up 17% of the world’s population. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, suicides in India increased by 10% in 2020. Given that 50% of India’s population is below that age of 25, the rising rate of mental health issues faced by the young is a cause of growing concern.
In India, family conflicts, breakdown of intimate relationships, failure in examinations, emotional and sexual abuse, physical violence, discrimination, and substance abuse are important contributing factors to suicidal behaviour and mental health problems among young people. Misinformation about suicide and a culture of silence further compounds the problem by hindering access to support in the community or through existing health services.
In this lecture, Soumitra Pathare discussed the challenges in suicide prevention, and proposed actions that need to taken to prevent suicides.
About the Psychiatrist
Soumitra Pathare is a consultant psychiatrist and Director, Centre for Mental Health Law and Policy. His research interests include suicide prevention, implementation research, mental health policy, and laws related to mental health.
