We know it—India is silently in the midst of an epidemic. There are indications that suicide rates in the country are on the increase, and the figures are motivating. As per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) records, about 1.64 lakh people committed suicide in the year 2021, with an increase of 7.2 percent in overall suicides in the year 2020. Butt this to my dismay, and most of these perverts prey on the youthful and the breadwinners of our families.

To that end, what is causing this problem, and more to the point, an urgent solution to the problem? Let’s dive in.

Understanding the Problem: Why Are Suicide Cases Rising?

• Mental Health Neglect

Mental health can still be considered an unknown quantity in India and is often overlooked or stigmatised. Clinical depression, anxiety, and stress are frequently regarded as mere smaller problems or indications that they are simply weak. This social strain keeps people away when they need help, most especially from mental problems.

• Financial Pressure

Among the causes that contribute to the problems are economic issues. Poverty is triggered by unemployment, debts, and higher living standards, which make many individuals almost reach a suicidal end. COVID-19 made many people even more financially insecure and made them give up hope.

• Academic Stress

But what is famous for the Indian education system is the pressure mounted on students. Students are forced to perform well in examinations, get good ranks, and then obtain well-paid employment. It means that failure—or even the failure fear—may result in horrendous consequences.

• Relationship Problems

Family or intrafamilial conflicts, marital issues, and relational discontent easily transform into struggles of emotions. Due to a lack of support, in most cases the only solution that most people deem fit is to commit suicide.

• Lack of awareness of the help available and further afield

Often, the person may also make up their mind to look for assistance, but there is rarely help. At present, India has only 0. On a more positive note, the WHO has suggested that for effective mental health, a country should have at least 3 psychiatrists for every 100,000 people, while India has only 0.75 psychiatrists.

What Is Consistent With Controlling This Crisis?

This is not a subject that can be tackled with easy solutions and in a short time either. The problems need to be tackled in different dimensions, such as awareness, policy, and community. Here’s what needs to be done:

1. Eliminate the stigma of mental health

2. Emphasise the care of mental health patients

3. Address financial insecurity

4. Reimagine Education

5. Build stronger communities.

6. Media Responsibility

What Can You Do?

At times like this, it is difficult for some people to seek ways to get involved, but everyone must know that they can participate.

• Be There

Occasionally all that is required from one person to another is an opportunity to speak out. If you see that your friend, coworker, or family member is pulling away or acting strange, check-in. Your support may help to save a life.

• Educate Yourself

In their symptoms, they get acquainted with signals such as radical changes in behaviour, isolation, or references to death. This means that efforts to get additional information will help you be better placed to assist.

• Encourage professional help.

If you find someone who needs it, then do not hesitate to point them to a professional. You don’t have to know everything, but you can be the one to show them the door.

The Final Word

India’s growing suicide rate is a wake-up call. This is not just the ugly number on the wall; it’s a grave loss of lives that has left many families heartbroken and communities wiped away. But it’s not inevitable.

Thus, it is possible to embrace new psychologists and psychiatrists, mentally healthy trainees, bosses and subordinates, parents and children, husbands and wives, educators and learners, sisters and brothers, friends and colleagues—all the people we love and see daily—and save thousands of lives. This is not about either; it is about the community we have constructed for ourselves and how we acknowledged these policy agendas and programs.

It’s time to focus on mental health. We hope that we should be the shoulder to lean on for that person. And let’s make sure that nobody thinks that the only choice they have left is to quit on themselves.

Which actions do you believe are most helpful in combating this crisis? Let’s start the conversation. Lives depend on it.