Critical Overview of Adolescent Suicides in India; A Public Health Concern

Abstract

Suicide is the second most leading cause of death among the 15-29 age group (adolescent). The World Health
Organization statistics indicate that 8, 00,000 people suicide annually. The National Crime Records Bureau
records indicates that suicidal deaths in 2014 is 15.8% more than 2004, 17% of the suicides worldwide
happens in India. Suicides is a contingency that affects the victim’s family community and nation at large
and has a long lasting effect on the people left behind. The adolescents often don’t get help when needed
which leads to suicides. Sustainable Development Goals 3 intents to promote healthy lives and promote
wellbeing for all.
Aim: To understand; 1) the percentage increase of suicide in India, difference between male and female
suicides, 2) identify states with maximum number of suicides, 3) identify states with maximum number of
student suicides, 4) Major Causes for suicide among adolescent male, female and trans gender and to study
5) Major means adopted for suicides in India, 6) Understand the significance promoting wellness addressing
adolescent suicides.
Results: there is significant increase in number of suicides form 2013 to 2016 and it affects the nation’s
economy. The states with maximum number of adolescent suicides are 1) Maharastra, 2) Tamil Nadu, 3)
West Bengal, 4) Madhya Pradesh and 5) Karnataka. The major Causes for suicides among adolescents male,
female and trans gender were identified. The most common means adopted for suicide among adolescents
have been identified and listed.
Conclusion: The adolescent and student suicides in the nation are increasing rapidly causing serious economic
burden to the nation. Hence a comprehensive suicide prevention plan must be developed, the policy should
individually target the states with highest number of adolescent and student suicides, access to the most
prominent means of suicides must be limited. A national suicide prevention help line and community based
access points could be created to provide mental health first aid to the vulnerable adolescents and students.