Increase in Adolescent Suicides in India: A Mental Health and Drug Abuse Crisis
Suicide is not only a tragedy to a family; it is also a loss for society, the economy, and the future of the nation. This shows the state of awareness regarding mental health among the youth in this country. The problem of young suicides is an alarming problem in India that brings about despair and gloom.
Suicide is rated as the third leading cause of death worldwide by the World Health Organization (WHO). The statistics show that India ranks third in the world for female suicide rates and that it is nearly fourth in male suicide rates each year.
The Growing Epidemic
According to the data on suicide deaths in India, released on August 2022 by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), there were 1,64,033 suicides in the country in 2021, which was a 7.2% increase over the previous year’s records.
The subject has gained attention because of recent cases, which show the harsh reality of a generation dealing with higher levels of stress, anxiety, and loneliness. The startling increase in adolescent suicides is a complicated problem with a foundation in mental health issues and the growing drug misuse crisis.
Mental Health Crisis In India
Young people are under a great deal of pressure because of the fast-paced and competitive society. Common stressors include:
- Relationship troubles
- Body image concerns
- Peer pressure
- Academic stress
- Society’s expectations
This can lead to mental health diseases like bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. Unfortunately, a lot of young people suffer in silence and don’t get the treatment they need because of stigma and ignorance.
A 20-Year-Old Under An Academic Pressure
Suicide rates are closely related to mental health. The surge in adolescent suicides across India depicts the ongoing mental crisis within the nation. This group of young people often has to manage their school challenges, societal demands, and complexities that come with their adolescence.
According to a report by DW, students’ mental health is being severely harmed by the intense pressure and expectations placed on them by their parents to succeed. DW team meets a young boy who relocated to Kota in order to fulfill his parents’ ambition of becoming a successful engineer.
His parents had to borrow money from relatives for his private coaching in Kota. The boy recalls the difficult days and restless nights after his unsuccessful attempt to enter IIT. He was so depressed that he even thought of ending his life.
Anxiety conditions are characterized by excessive worrying, restlessness, and physical signs such as nervousness. Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood fluctuations that range from manic episodes to depressive ones. Due to societal stigmas surrounding them, these diseases can be misdiagnosed or mistreated, leading to suicidal ideations.
The Link Between Drug Abuse And Suicide Among Youth
In India, another important cause of adolescent suicides is drug abuse. Because of easy and higher availability, substances like alcohol, marijuana, opioids, and synthetic drugs have become one of the major coping mechanisms for many youngsters to deal with peer pressure, academic pressure as well as personal problems.
Suicide and drug abuse are correlated. Substance and alcohol addiction changes brain chemistry and impairs judgment, and it can directly lead to suicidal ideation. Drug addiction also frequently results in
- social isolation
- financial hardships, and
- legal concerns
This can worsen mental health conditions and raise the risk of suicide.
According to a study, “The patterns, trends and major risk factors of suicide among Indian adolescents – a scoping review,” substance abuse was identified as one of the main factors contributing to suicide. Lack of friends and social life and poor interpersonal relationships increase psychological distress and contribute to suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Ten Thousand Suicides In India In 2021 Are Associated With Drug And Alcohol Abuse
According to a report by The Times Of India, the number of deaths because of drug and alcohol abuse in India has gone beyond 10,000. Also, psychologists have discovered that mental illness leads people into suicidal ideation, but substance abuse serves as a final trigger. The continuous and long-term misuse of substances encourages an individual to take such dangerous actions.
To Address This Crisis, Specific Actions Are Required From Various Stakeholders:
By working collaboratively, policymakers, healthcare providers, and educational institutions can help prevent the loss of lives from suicides and build a healthier generation. Certain actions are needed:
- Budgetary resources for mental health should be increased.
- Mental health education should be included in the school curriculum, focusing on drug prevention and control initiatives, such as early intervention and treatment plans.
- Increasing the number of qualified professionals will increase access to mental health treatments, particularly in remote locations.
A Deep-Rooted Crisis That Demands Immediate Attention
In addition to the grief and loss experienced by the families, every life lost signifies a tremendous loss for society and the future of the country. The underlying mental health problem is the root cause that fuels youth suicides in India. It is even aggravated by the rising alcohol and drug abuse in India. Stigma eradication, mental health campaigns, support systems, and comprehensive measures are all important. To protect its future, India must put its youth’s welfare first.
