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A recent study published in The Lancet Public Health on World Suicide Prevention Day underscores the urgent need for India to shift its focus beyond mental health to prevent suicide. With over 170,000 lives lost annually to suicide in the country, experts argue that addressing social risk factors is crucial to reducing this devastating toll.
Globally, more than 700,000 people die by suicide each year, with India accounting for a significant portion of these deaths. The country’s suicide rate has steadily increased, with data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) revealing that 1.71 lakh individuals died by suicide in 2022, marking the highest rate ever recorded at 12.4 per 100,000 people.
World Suicide Prevention Day, observed annually on September 10, aims to reduce stigma surrounding suicide and encourage open conversations. This year’s theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” aligns with the findings of a six-paper series in The Lancet, which calls for a broader view of suicide beyond mental health.
Complex Public Health Issue
“Suicide has long been stigmatized as a crime, but it is a complex public health issue. While mental health remains a key component of suicide prevention, we now have ample data indicating that the focus must also include social factors,” said Dr. Rakhi Dandona, Professor of Public Health at the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) and an author of the Lancet series.
The study emphasizes that while clinical treatment is vital for individuals in suicidal crises, upstream measures addressing social risk factors—such as poverty, debt, domestic violence, and social isolation—are equally important in preventing individuals from reaching such crisis points.
India’s National Suicide Prevention Strategy
India’s National Suicide Prevention Strategy, introduced in 2022, marks a significant step toward addressing this issue. However, experts like Dr. Dandona argue that the strategy must broaden its scope to incorporate social risk factors alongside mental health interventions. This holistic approach is crucial, particularly for a country where more than 40% of suicide cases involve individuals under the age of 30.
“A young Indian dies by suicide every eight minutes,” said Dandona, adding that this loss represents a tragic impact not only on families but also on society and the nation’s future.
Social Risk Factors in Focus
Data from the NCRB reveals that a significant proportion of suicides are driven by socio-economic challenges. The Lancet study highlighted higher suicide rates in states with elevated unemployment, particularly among males. Unemployment also emerged as a critical risk factor for Indian females, with an alarming suicide rate of 94.8 per 100,000 unemployed women—compared to just 4.3 per 100,000 for students and 12.6 per 100,000 for professional or salaried workers.
“Factors such as financial hardships, domestic issues, relationship breakdowns, and peer pressure are driving individuals toward suicide,” explained Dandona. The expert stressed the need for India to adopt a comprehensive public health approach that incorporates socio-economic policies to mitigate these pressures and prevent individuals from reaching a suicidal state.
A Broader Public Health Approach
Currently, India’s suicide prevention efforts are housed under the National Mental Health Programme. While mental health interventions remain essential for those in crisis, Dandona advocates for a larger, whole-government approach that addresses socio-economic determinants.
“Addressing underlying socio-economic pressures alongside mental health is a critical national priority,” she noted. By fostering collaboration across sectors and integrating suicide prevention into broader public health policies, India can create a more supportive environment for early intervention, reduce stigma, and ultimately save lives.
The call to action is clear: suicide prevention must go beyond mental health and include a broader public health focus that tackles the root causes of this public health crisis. As the nation observes World Suicide Prevention Day, the time to act is now—by changing the narrative and implementing comprehensive strategies, India can reduce its high suicide rates and protect its future generations.
