Breaking the Silence: Understanding Suicide and Building a Culture of Mental Health Support

Chittaranjan Meitram *

Suicide remains one of the most tragic and preventable causes of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide is defined as the deliberate act of ending one’s own life. It is not merely a mental health issue—it is a social, emotional, and public health crisis.

Globally, nearly one million people die by suicide each year, and countless more attempt to take their own lives. Suicide is among the top three causes of death among people aged below 25, with the rate significantly high in low- and middle-income countries. In India alone, thousands of individuals die by suicide annually, with a disturbing number being youth and women within one year after childbirth.

Suicide in the Indian Context

In India, suicide or attempted suicide is criminalized under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code, although the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 decriminalized attempted suicide for individuals suffering from mental illness. However, stigma and fear of legal consequences still prevent many from seeking help.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB):
➢ Suicide rates vary across states, with southern and eastern states reporting higher numbers.
➢ It contributes to about 6% of all deaths in the youth population.
➢ The highest incidence of suicide is among people aged 15 to 29 years, followed by the 30 to 44 years age group.

These numbers reflect not only the individual pain but also the collective failure of society to understand, address, and prevent suicide.

Common Causes of Suicide

Suicide is a complex phenomenon with multiple causes—psychological, social, environmental, and biological. Some of the most common factors include:

➢ Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia
➢ Chronic illnesses like cancer, neurological conditions, and HIV/AIDS
➢ Substance abuse and addiction
➢ Social isolation and lack of a support system
➢ Relationship issues – heartbreak, divorce, family conflict
➢ Academic pressure and exam stress
➢ Sexual abuse, trauma, and domestic violence
➢ Financial difficulties – debt, unemployment, bankruptcy
➢ Stigma and societal pressure, especially among marginalized groups like LGBTQ+ individuals

In many cases, a combination of factors contributes to suicidal ideation. Life stressors such as job loss, death of a loved one, bullying, or social rejection can act as triggering events.

Suicidal Behaviour Among Youth

Young people, especially adolescents and college students, are particularly vulnerable due to transitional life phases, identity crises, social media pressure, and expectations from family and society. A recent Indian study revealed that suicidal behaviour among youth is associated with:

➢ Female gender and being out of school or college
➢ Independent decision-making in conservative households
➢ Premarital sexual relationships
➢ Experiences of physical or sexual abuse
➢ Mental disorders such as depression and anxiety

Moreover, young people often lack coping mechanisms and adequate emotional support, making them prone to impulsive actions during times of emotional distress. Warning Signs to Watch For recognizing the early signs of suicidal ideation can make the difference between life and death. Common warning signs include:

Verbal Signs:

➢Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself
➢ xpressing feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or being a burden
➢ Emotional Symptoms:
➢ Feeling trapped, worthless, or empty
➢ Intense emotional pain, anxiety, or rage
➢ Sudden calmness after depression

Behavioural Changes:

➢ Withdrawing from friends and family
➢ Giving away belongings or writing a will
➢ Engaging in risky or reckless behavior
➢ Sudden changes in sleep and eating habits
➢ Increased use of alcohol or drugs

These warning signs should never be ignored. Immediate intervention can save lives.

How Can We Prevent Suicide?

1. Start with Empathy: Family, friends, and community members can play a crucial role. If someone you know shows signs of suicidal ideation:

➢ Listen with compassion and without judgment
➢ Encourage open conversations
➢ Express care and concern
➢ Avoid dismissing or making fun of their feelings

2. Encourage Professional Help:

Urge the person to consult a psychiatrist, psychologist, or mental health professional. Therapy, counselling, and in some cases, medication can help manage underlying issues.

3. Make a Safety Plan:

➢ Remove access to lethal means (medications, sharp objects, etc.)
➢ Identify personal triggers and warning signs
➢ List emergency contacts and helpline numbers
➢ Set coping strategies like breathing exercises, calling a friend, or journaling

4. Raise Awareness:

Conduct regular mental health workshops and awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, offices, and local communities. Equip young people with knowledge of emotional well-being, stress management, and help-seeking behavior.

5. Family Support Matters:

➢ Parents must maintain a friendly and open relationship with their children.
➢ Avoid comparing children or pushing them too hard academically.
➢ Show unconditional love and emotional support even in the face of failure.

6. Strengthen School and College Systems:

Every educational institute should have a dedicated counsellor or mental health professional.

➢ Set up peer support programs.
➢ Reduce academic burden and promote healthy competition.
➢ Suicide Prevention is a Collective Responsibility
➢ Government, civil society, educational institutions, media, and families must work hand in hand to create a supportive ecosystem.
➢ Media should report suicides responsibly, avoiding sensationalism and highlighting helpline numbers.
➢ Policies should aim to provide mental health services at the grassroots level.
➢ Religious and community leaders must break the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage conversations around emotional well-being.

Reaching Out Can Save Lives

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, don’t hesitate to reach out. Talking is the first step toward healing.

Tele-MANAS Manipur Helpline (Free Mental Health Support):
Call 14416 or 1-8008914416

Conclusion Suicide is not a sign of weakness or failure. It is often the result of overwhelming emotional pain. As a society, we must learn to recognize this pain, respond with empathy, and ensure that no one feels alone in their suffering. Let us break the silence, end the stigma, and foster a culture where mental health is prioritized and every life is valued.

Together, we can fight against suicide. Together, we can save lives.