The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 8th April 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Gone too soon — the subject of youth suicide in India 

Why in News?

Suicide is the tragic and untimely loss of human life, all the more devastating and perplexing because it is a conscious volitional act. India has the dubious distinction of having the highest number of suicides in the world. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reports that 1.71 lakh people died by suicide in 2022.

Key Points:

• Suicide is a critical public health concern worldwide, claiming a large number of lives annually.
• Mental disorders, especially depression and alcohol use disorders, are closely linked to suicidal behavior.
• Impulsive acts during crises are significant contributors to suicide rates.
• India faces a notable challenge with rising suicide cases, notably among students facing academic stress.

Strategies to Address Suicides:

• Implementing mental health awareness programs and support systems.
• Enhancing access to mental health services and crisis intervention resources.
• Creating a supportive environment for individuals struggling with mental health issues.
• Developing targeted interventions for high-risk groups, such as students facing academic pressure.

INDIA'S STAGGERING CONTRIBUTION TO THE CRISIS

• Overview: India has played a significant role in exacerbating the crisis.
• Economic Impact: The crisis has had a profound effect on India's economy, leading to widespread repercussions.
• Environmental Implications: India's contribution to environmental degradation has been considerable, impacting ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Social Consequences: The crisis has deeply affected Indian society, influencing various aspects of daily life and societal structures.
• Technological Challenges: India faces unique technological hurdles in addressing the crisis effectively.
• Government Response: The Indian government's actions and policies have shaped the country's approach to managing the crisis.
• Overview of Suicide Crisis in India:
  • India faces a critical suicide crisis, with alarming statistics revealing a significant burden on its population. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), India witnessed an average of 381 suicides daily in a recent year, contributing to 17.8% of global suicides.
  • The country recorded its highest number of suicide deaths in 2021, with a suicide rate of 12 deaths per one lakh population. This marks the highest rate since 1967, indicating a concerning trend.
  • Maharashtra reported the highest number of suicides in 2021, followed by Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Karnataka, emphasizing the widespread nature of this issue across different regions.
  • The statistics reveal underlying patterns, such as the disproportionately high involvement of youth, rural-urban divides, and gender-specific trends, highlighting the complex challenges faced by India.
  • National data underscores the severity of the situation, with India's average suicide rate standing at about 11 suicides per 100,000 people, surpassing the global average.
• Regional Disparities and Trends:
  • Regional variations in suicide rates are evident, with states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala reporting rates above the national average, while Punjab and Haryana exhibit rates below the average.
  • States experiencing agrarian distress, such as Maharashtra, witness a rise in farmer suicides, indicating the influence of socio-economic factors on suicide patterns.
• Impact on Students and Societal Implications:
  • The proportion of students among India's total suicide victims has increased, reaching 8% in 2021, signifying a concerning trend that demands attention.

As we delve into a deeper analysis of India's suicide rates, it becomes evident that addressing this pressing issue requires a comprehensive understanding of the systemic and societal changes needed to prevent further tragedies.

Historical Context

• Evolution of Societal Views on Suicide in India:
  • Suicide perspectives in India have transformed significantly over centuries, reflecting its socio-cultural progression.
  • In ancient times, such as during the Vedic era, certain acts of 'self-sacrifice' were not just tolerated but glorified, like the practice of 'Sati' where some widows were expected or coerced to self-immolate on their husband's funeral pyre. Despite the tragic nature of this act, it was symbolically perceived as a deep manifestation of devotion and respect.
  • As time progressed, particularly during the era of the Dharmashastras, suicide started being viewed more negatively. Traditional scriptures often outlined punishments in the afterlife for individuals who committed suicide, reinforcing the belief that self-inflicted death was a serious transgression.
• Influence of Cultural, Religious, and Traditional Beliefs:
  • Various cultural, religious, and traditional convictions have significantly impacted societal attitudes towards suicide.
  • For example, certain religious beliefs may consider suicide as a sin or a violation of divine will, thereby influencing how communities perceive and react to such incidents.
• Hinduism: The ancient Hindu scriptures, such as the Vedas and the Upanishads, do not explicitly address the topic of suicide. However, later texts like the Puranas delve into the consequences in the afterlife for individuals who take their own lives. The Bhagavad Gita, although not directly mentioning suicide, underscores the sanctity of life and the significance of fulfilling one's duty (dharma).
• Buddhism: Buddhism traditionally interprets life as a continual cycle of birth and rebirth, with suffering (dukkha) as a fundamental aspect of human existence. The act of taking one's own life disrupts this cycle and is therefore considered undesirable. Suicide, as it generates additional suffering, is viewed as conflicting with the principles of the Buddhist path.
• Islam: Within India's Islamic community, suicide is regarded as haram, meaning forbidden. The Quran explicitly states the prohibition against self-inflicted death.
• Jainism: Jainism presents a nuanced perspective through the practice of 'Sallekhana', where an individual voluntarily renounces food and water to embrace death. This practice is not considered suicide but rather a religious ritual aimed at purifying the soul.
• Christianity: India's Christian community views suicide within the framework of the Bible, which emphasizes the sanctity of life. While suicide is not explicitly discussed, it is generally perceived as a serious transgression against God's gift of life.

Suicides, especially those associated with religious or cultural customs in India, have raised significant concerns.

Émile Durkheim

Émile Durkheim, a prominent sociologist, categorized suicide into four types in his renowned work "Suicide" (1897). Let's examine these categories within the Indian context:

• Egoistic Suicide:
  • This type occurs when individuals feel detached or isolated from society.
  • Example: A person facing social exclusion and loneliness leading to suicide.
• Altruistic Suicide:
  • Altruistic suicide happens when individuals sacrifice themselves for the greater good of society.
  • Example: Soldiers knowingly putting their lives at risk for their country's safety.
• Anomic Suicide:
  • This form of suicide is linked to feelings of disorientation due to rapid social changes or crises.
  • Example: Economic crises leading to a significant increase in suicide rates.
• Fatalistic Suicide:
  • Fatalistic suicide occurs when individuals feel oppressed by excessive regulation and control.
  • Example: Individuals living under oppressive regimes might resort to suicide as a form of escape.

Understanding Durkheim's suicide categories in the Indian setting offers a framework to analyze the various sociocultural factors influencing suicide. Given India's complex blend of tradition, rapid modernization, and societal norms, addressing the underlying causes necessitates a profound comprehension of these categories and the regional and cultural intricacies connected to them.

AN ANALYTICAL LOOK AT DEMOGRAPHIC VARIATIONS

Age: The age group of 15-29 years consistently reports a higher incidence of suicide. The pressures of academic performance, early career challenges, and personal relationships often collide during these formative years, increasing vulnerability.

• Gender: While more men commit suicide in absolute numbers, the rate of suicide attempts is reportedly higher among women. The disparity could be due to societal pressures, domestic issues, and the methods used.

• Urban vs. Rural: Rural areas, especially in regions facing agrarian crises, register a higher suicide rate. The stressors here, like indebtedness and crop failure, are starkly different from urban stressors, which often revolve around isolation, professional pressures, and lifestyle challenges.

Female Suicides in India

• Despite advancements in education and financial independence, women in India still face disempowerment due to prevalent gender-based discrimination, leading to a high rate of female suicides.
• India carries a significant burden of female suicides, with Indian women accounting for 36% of global suicides in the 15 to 39 age group, the highest proportion worldwide.
• The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report of 2021 highlights concerning trends regarding the mental health and social status of women in India.

National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2021

• In 2021, there were 1,64,033 reported suicides in India, marking a 7.2% increase from the previous year, with a notable number of housewives among the deceased.
• Female suicides in India are predominantly linked to family issues, illnesses, and marital conflicts.
• Among girls under 18 years, family problems, illnesses, romantic relationships, and academic failures are primary factors contributing to suicide.

Lancet Public Health Study (2018)

• A study published in Lancet Public Health in 2018 suggests a correlation between the rising female suicide rates and the conflict between women's increasing education and empowerment, juxtaposed with their enduring lower societal status in India.

Underlying Causes for Suicides in India

• Academic and Career Expectations: The intense competition within India's educational system, coupled with a scarcity of seats in esteemed institutions and a focus on specific lucrative professions, exerts immense stress on students. Failing to meet these standards may result in feelings of hopelessness and despondency, contributing to suicidal tendencies.
• The 'Left Behind Syndrome': This phenomenon refers to the sense of being left behind or inadequate compared to peers, which can further exacerbate the mental health challenges faced by students.

• For example, the distressing case of Kota, where a significant number of students have resorted to suicide due to the overwhelming academic pressures. In a recent year, 23 students tragically ended their lives, while 15 students took their lives in the following year.

• Marital and Family Issues

  Familial and societal expectations related to marriage can lead to significant distress. This includes demands for dowry, pressure to have children (especially sons), and other challenges. Marital conflicts, domestic violence, and forced marriages further expose individuals, especially women, to vulnerabilities. The National Family Health Survey (2019-21) sheds light on the difficult situations faced by married women. These include limited freedom of movement, restricted financial independence, spousal dominance, and various forms of abuse like physical, sexual, and emotional mistreatment by their partners.

• Example: Marital and Family Issues

  In India, the number of women who died by suicide peaked at 45,026 in 2021, with over half of them being housewives. Housewives constitute more than 50% of all female suicides.

• Mental Health
  • Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders

    Mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder significantly contribute to suicide rates. Unfortunately, these conditions often go undiagnosed and untreated.

• Stigma Associated with Seeking Help

  There is a societal stigma attached to mental health issues that deters individuals from seeking assistance. Many view mental health struggles as signs of weakness or sources of shame rather than treatable conditions.

Economic Factors

• Financial Stress and Unemployment
  • Economic disparities and lack of stable employment opportunities, particularly in densely populated urban areas, result in financial instability and stress, pushing individuals towards despair.
• Farmers' Suicides and Their Causes
  • The agricultural sector has experienced a notable increase in suicides. Contributing factors encompass crop failures, mounting debts, the inability to repay loans, and challenges induced by climate change.
  • Lack of access to modern agricultural tools, techniques, and fair pricing further compounds the vulnerability of farmers.

Potential Methods of Suicide

• Pesticide Ingestion: Toxic pesticides, especially in rural areas, are easily accessible and can be lethal. Restricting access to these substances can help prevent suicides.
• Hanging: This method, requiring minimal resources and offering little chance for rescue, is a common choice among individuals. In 2021, 57% of suicides were by hanging, with 25.1% due to poison consumption.

Cultural and Social Factors

• Honour and Shame Dynamics: Family honor is highly valued in many Indian communities. Perceived dishonor, such as inter-caste relationships, can lead to extreme actions by individuals or their families.
• Role of Caste and Communal Issues: Caste-based discrimination and communal tensions contribute significantly to distress in society. Marginalized individuals, particularly from lower castes, often experience systematic discrimination, leading to feelings of despair.

For example, individuals like Rohith Vemula, Darshan Solanki, Aniket Ambhore, and Payal Tadvi have allegedly died by suicide due to caste discrimination and harassment.

Suicide: A Complex Social Issue

The Multifaceted Nature of Suicide

• Suicide in India is influenced by various factors like societal norms, economic challenges, mental health issues, and access to lethal means.
• Addressing the issue of suicide in India requires a comprehensive, empathetic, and culturally sensitive approach.

The Ripple Effect of Suicide

• Suicide has profound impacts on families and communities.

Effects on Families

• Family members left behind after a suicide often experience intense emotional distress and trauma.
• They may struggle with feelings of guilt, confusion, and anger.
• Children in the family may face long-term psychological challenges and developmental issues.

Effects on Communities

• Communities affected by suicide may experience a sense of collective grief and loss.
• Stigma surrounding suicide can lead to social isolation and lack of support for those impacted.
• Community-based interventions and support systems are crucial in addressing the aftermath of suicide.
• Grief and Trauma: When a family member dies by suicide, those left behind often experience deep grief and may feel guilty, questioning if they could have prevented the tragedy. This intense grieving process can sometimes result in complicated grief or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Stigmatization: Many societies attach a lasting stigma to suicide. The families of the deceased may encounter social exclusion, as community members might avoid them due to discomfort or unfairly assign blame.
• Generational Impact: Children who lose a parent or sibling to suicide are more susceptible to depression, anxiety, and even thoughts of suicide themselves. This trauma can disrupt their growth, leading to academic hurdles, behavioral issues, and challenges in forming relationships.
• Breakdown of Family Structures: The emotional strain of suicide can cause rifts within the family. Spouses may grow distant, siblings might experience heightened conflicts, and overall family unity could be compromised.

Economic Implications

• Impact of Suicide on Families
  • Loss of Income: When the individual who passed away was the main earner, their family may encounter immediate financial challenges. This situation is particularly severe in rural regions, where farmer suicides can result in families having debts and a decreased ability to generate income.
  • Medical and Funeral Costs: The events leading up to the suicide could lead to medical bills, particularly if there was a previous suicide attempt. Additionally, funeral expenses can be a significant financial burden, further stretching the family's resources.
  • Nationwide Economic Consequences: At a larger scale, the premature loss of individuals in their working years can have an impact on the country's productivity and potential for GDP growth. There are also indirect expenses related to healthcare, counseling, and other support services.
• Psychological Impact on Survivors
  • Emotional Turmoil: Survivors often experience a range of emotions such as guilt, anger, sadness, and confusion. They may struggle to comprehend why the suicide occurred and may blame themselves or others.
  • Stigma and Social Isolation: Survivors may face stigma and social isolation from their communities due to the societal taboos and misconceptions surrounding suicide. This can exacerbate their feelings of loneliness and alienation.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress: Witnessing or discovering a loved one after a suicide can lead to symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in survivors. They may experience intrusive memories, flashbacks, and emotional numbness.
  • Seeking Support: It is crucial for survivors to seek professional help and support from mental health professionals, support groups, or counselors. Talking about their feelings and experiences can aid in the healing process and help them cope with the aftermath of the suicide.
• Survivor's Guilt: When someone is close to a person who has died, they often experience deep guilt, continuously questioning their actions and wondering if they could have done something to prevent the death.
• Increased Risk of Mental Health Disorders: Individuals who survive a suicide, particularly immediate family members, are at a higher risk of developing mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, and PTSD.
• Suicidal Ideation: Exposure to suicide raises the likelihood of suicidal thoughts in survivors. They may see suicide as a way to escape the overwhelming emotions of grief and guilt they experience.
• Need for Therapy and Counseling: The trauma of losing someone to suicide often requires ongoing psychological support. However, due to the stigma attached to both suicide and mental health services, many individuals may avoid seeking help, which can worsen their emotional distress.

Challenges in Addressing the Issue

• Insufficient Data Collection and Research
  • Inadequate Reporting: Not all suicides are reported, and many are often misclassified due to societal pressures, stigma, or administrative oversights. The actual numbers could be much higher than what's officially recorded.
  • Lack of Comprehensive Studies: While the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) provides yearly statistics, there's a dearth of in-depth research studying patterns, causes, and other qualitative aspects of suicides in India.
  • Underreporting of Suicide Attempts: Due to legal and societal implications, suicide attempts are often underreported. Without this data, it becomes challenging to understand the extent of the crisis and design effective interventions.
• Stigma and Societal Norms

  Stigma and societal norms play a significant role in hindering accurate reporting and understanding of suicide incidences. For example, in certain cultures, discussing mental health issues openly is considered taboo, leading to underreporting of suicide cases.

Stigma and Societal Norms

• Silence Surrounding Mental Health: The cultural and social stigma around mental health issues often stops people from openly discussing their challenges or seeking help. This silence can lead to individuals suffering in isolation without the necessary support.
• Misunderstandings about Suicide: In many communities, suicide is wrongly seen as an act of cowardice, a crime, or a sin, rather than a sign of profound psychological distress. These misconceptions can hinder efforts to prevent suicide and provide support to those at risk.
• Pressure to Conform: Societal norms related to academic and career success, gender roles, and marital expectations can create immense pressure on individuals. Going against these norms by speaking out or seeking help can be daunting for many.

Resource Constraints in Rural and Underserved Areas

• Limited Access to Healthcare: Rural and underserved areas often face challenges in accessing quality healthcare services due to a lack of facilities, healthcare professionals, and infrastructure. This limited access can result in delayed or inadequate treatment for residents.
• Financial Barriers: Economic constraints in these areas can prevent individuals from seeking necessary medical care or mental health services. The cost of treatment, transportation to healthcare facilities, and lack of insurance coverage can all contribute to these financial barriers.
• Shortage of Mental Health Professionals: Rural and underserved regions typically experience a shortage of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors. This scarcity can lead to long waiting times for appointments and insufficient mental health support for the population.
• Stigma Associated with Help-Seeking: In rural communities, there may be stigma attached to seeking help for mental health issues. Individuals may fear judgment or discrimination, leading them to avoid seeking the necessary support and treatment they require.

Resource Constraints in Rural and Underserved Areas

• Limited Availability of Mental Health Professionals: India is facing a significant shortage of adequately trained mental health professionals. Reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that there are approximately 0.3 psychiatrists, 0.12 nurses, and 0.07 psychologists per 100,000 individuals in India. This scarcity is particularly acute in rural regions.
• Inadequate Mental Health Infrastructure: Many districts, especially in remote areas, lack specialized mental health facilities. This absence forces individuals to undertake long journeys to access treatment services.
• Financial Barriers: The expense associated with mental health care, even when services are accessible, can be unaffordable for many, especially those belonging to lower socio-economic groups.
• Lack of Awareness: In numerous rural and underserved communities, there exists a limited comprehension of mental health matters. Traditional beliefs, a lack of education, and misconceptions often prevail over evidence-based approaches to mental well-being.

Prevention and Intervention

• Government Initiatives
  • Mental Healthcare Act 2017: This significant law not only removed the criminality associated with suicide but also stressed the rights of individuals struggling with mental health issues to access high-quality care.
  • District Mental Health Programme (DMHP): Launched as a part of the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), DMHP is designed to offer mental health services at the grassroots level, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
  • National Suicide Prevention Strategy 2022: Although still in the planning stages, discussions are ongoing regarding the implementation of a comprehensive national strategy that involves collaborative efforts across various sectors and evidence-based interventions.
  • KIRAN: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment introduced a 24/7 toll-free helpline called "KIRAN" to provide assistance to individuals dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health issues.
  • Manodarpan Initiative: Manodarpan, a Ministry of Education initiative under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, aimed to offer psychosocial support to students, families, and teachers to promote mental health and well-being during the challenges posed by Covid-19.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

• Vandrevala Foundation: This organization runs a 24/7 helpline offering counseling to individuals facing distress. An example of its impact is when it assisted a person dealing with severe anxiety, guiding them towards professional help.
• Roshni: Situated in Hyderabad, Roshni provides tele-counseling services. For instance, a student in a remote area reached out to Roshni during a crisis and received immediate support.
• Mann: Concentrating on mental health awareness, Mann actively engages in early interventions within educational settings. For example, Mann organized workshops in schools, helping students recognize signs of mental health issues.
• iCall: Backed by Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), iCall extends email and tele-counseling services to those in need. An instance is when iCall supported an individual struggling with depression, offering them a platform to express their emotions.

Community Initiatives

Grassroot Efforts to Address and Prevent Suicides: Communities are initiating various programs to combat the rising issue of suicides. For instance, a local community in a village organized regular mental health awareness campaigns, leading to a noticeable decrease in suicide rates.

• Farmer Cooperatives

  In regions such as Maharashtra and Telangana where farmer suicides are a pressing issue, local cooperatives are being formed to promote sustainable agricultural practices, alleviate debt burdens, and offer mutual support networks.

• Community Counseling Centers

  Community-run counseling centers have been established in various areas to provide residents with access to guidance, counseling services, and emotional support.

• Mental Health Awareness

  Efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and enhance overall well-being are gaining momentum through various initiatives:

  • Mental Health Festivals

    Events like "The Mind Diaries" and "The Happy Place" are organized to encourage open discussions about mental well-being, utilizing art, music, and dialogues as mediums.

  • School and College Programs

    Educational institutions are increasingly incorporating mental health awareness into their curricula, focusing on stress management, emotional wellness, and resilience-building strategies.

  • Corporate Initiatives

    Many companies in India are recognizing the challenges posed by modern work environments and are implementing programs such as employee assistance initiatives, mental health days, and wellness workshops to support their staff members.