Context:
A recent study published in The Lancet Public Health has revealed a significant decline in India's suicide death rate from 1990 to 2021. This drop is attributed to a more substantial reduction in female suicide rates compare to male counterpart. There has been a 31.5 per cent decline in suicide-related mortality rate in the country in the last three decades between 1990 and 2021.
About key findings:
India has witnessed a significant decline in its suicide death rate, falling from 18.9 per lakh population in 1990 to 13 per lakh in 2021. This reduction represents a positive shift in mental health outcomes, with a greater decline observed in females compared to males. The female suicide death rate decreased from 16.8 per lakh in 1990 to 10.3 per lakh in 2021, while the male rate dropped from 20.9 per lakh in 1990 to 15.7 per lakh in 2021.
Despite the overall decline, the highest suicide death rates in India in 2020 were observed among educated women, often due to family problems. This highlights the significant mental health challenges faced by women, particularly those with higher educational qualifications, where expectations and pressures might contribute to stress. Family issues, including marital conflicts, financial stress, and caregiving burdens, have been identified as primary factors leading to suicides in this demographic.
Globally, suicide-related mortality rate has declined by 39.5 percent between 1990 and 2021. It is worth noting that in 1990, about 15 people per lakh committed suicide. Whereas in 2021, this figure came down to 9.
Key Initiatives to Reduce Suicides in India
1. Decriminalization of Suicide: The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 played a pivotal role in decriminalizing suicide, marking a significant shift in how mental health issues are perceived in the country. Prior to this, Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) made suicide a criminal offense. The decriminalization has helped reduce stigma around mental health struggles, encouraging individuals to seek support without fear of legal repercussions.
2. National Suicide Prevention Strategy (2022): The National Suicide Prevention Strategy (2022) aims to reduce suicide mortality by 10% by 2030. This comprehensive national strategy emphasizes mental health support, better access to healthcare, and awareness campaigns to reduce suicide rates across the country.
3. WHO’s Mental Health Action Plan (2013-2030): The World Health Organization's Mental Health Action Plan recognizes the essential role of mental health in achieving overall health and well-being. This global initiative aligns with India’s focus on improving mental healthcare and providing necessary interventions to prevent suicides.
Conclusion
The decline in suicide death rates in India, particularly among women, signals a positive trend in mental health awareness and intervention. The decriminalization of suicide, along with comprehensive strategies like the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (2022) and international support like the WHO Mental Health Action Plan, reflects a national commitment to improving mental health outcomes. However, challenges remain, especially in vulnerable groups like educated women, where targeted mental health support systems are essential to further reduce suicide rates.
