India tops global suicide rates; records 171,000 Suicides in 2022, says NCRB Report

India now holds the grim record for the highest number of suicides worldwide, as reported by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in April. The report revealed that 171,000 individuals took their own lives in 2022, translating to a suicide rate of 12.4 per 100,000 people, the highest ever recorded in the country.

In recent past, number of tragic cases of suicide from father and son in Mumbai to JEE, NEET students have once again drawn attention to this crisis. Experts have labelled suicide as the most significant public health issue affecting both young and old in India.

According to health professionals, depression is the primary factor driving this alarming trend. “The most common underlying reason for suicide is depression, which in layman’s language we say stress. Otherwise, it can be due to impulsiveness or other factors also, but the majority are because of depression,” explained Rajiv Mehta, Vice Chairperson of the Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi. Mehta was speaking to IANS news agency.

Mehta identified work, finances, relationship issues, and health as the four main areas where stress can escalate, leading to anxiety and depression, which can ultimately result in suicide.

The research report indicates that 50% to 90% of those who die by suicide suffer from mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Psychiatrist Shyam Bhat, Chairperson of LiveLoveLaugh, talking to IANS said, “Today, suicide is the largest public health crisis facing India. It is the leading cause of death among youth. Suicide can occur impulsively during periods of extreme stress, and those who are vulnerable may struggle to cope with such stressors as financial difficulties, medical conditions, or personal loss. Loneliness and isolation are also significant risk factors.”

Shambhavi Jaiman, a Consultant Psychiatrist at Fortis Memorial Research Institute in Gurugram, expressed concern over the rising trend, citing economic stress, unemployment, financial instability, significant debt, family conflicts, and marital discord as contributing factors.

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