High Suicide Rate Among Indian Youths

Context

Suicide among the youth is a major public health issue in India, and is a loss to family, society, the economy and future of the country.

 What does the Data Show?

• Suicide is the tragic and premature loss of human life, all the more devastating and difficult as it is a concerned deliberate act. 
• India has the doubtful distinction of having the highest number of suicides in the world. The NCRB reports that 1.71 lakh persons died by suicide in 2022, recording a highest ever rate of 12.4 according to 1,00,000.

What are the Main Concerns about the Above Data?  

• The figures are underestimated. 
• Unfortunately, 41% of all suicides are by young people under the age of 30 (this means, a youth suicide each 8 mins in India). 
• Suicide is the main cause of mortality for younger women in India.

Factors Responsible for Suicides Among Indian Youths

• Suicide in younger people is the result of interaction between biological, mental, familial, and social cultural elements. 
• The most typically pronounced risk element is mental health issues (54%). 
• Competitive examinations, parental stress/over expectation, educational strain, alcohol and substance use are known hazard factors in children suicides. 

Sociocultural Factors for Suicide Among Young Girls and Women

• Arranged and early marriages, younger motherhood, low social repute, domestic violence and monetary dependence are well described factors. 

What is the Role Played by Media/Social Media in Youth Suicides? 

• The last two years have witnessed a marked increase in internet use among the younger. 
• The media has a strong effect on susceptible younger people. 
• Sensational reporting of suicide, mainly through a celebrity, is followed by increased suicidal behaviour.

Solutions to Prevent Youth Suicides in India

• Problem solving classes for kids, early identification of mental distress and adopting a wholesome life-style (suitable use of the net) reduces suicide in the younger. 
• Educational reforms (consisting of opportunity evaluation techniques) and societal changes (to reduce stigma and discrimination) need to be addressed.

National Suicide Prevention Strategy for India

• It was launched by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in 2022 with the goal of lowering suicide by 10% by 2030. 
  • The method has regarded leveraging educational institutions/ youth clubs/ school health ambassadors to promote mental health and reduce substance and behavioural addictions.

Source: The Hindu

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q.India faces a significant challenge with regards to the high number of suicides among youth. To effectively address this issue, specific and targeted strategies for suicide prevention are crucial. Analyse.

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