A suicide attempt is not a sin nor a crime; it is a cry for help – a psychological pain ~~ Dr Sandi Syiem, Director of Sanker Charitable Trust
Suicide is a major public health challenge, with more than 700,000 deaths each year globally. Each suicide has far-reaching social, emotional, and economic consequences, and deeply affects individuals and communities worldwide.
Suicide among young people in the whole world, particularly in India is on the rise every year. It has been estimated that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among the late adolescent age groups (15–19 years) in India.
According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), more than 40 percent of all cases of suicides are among young adults below the age of 30. The NCRB data showed that 1.71 lakh people died by suicide in 2022.
“It starts with a thought; later signs and symptoms become visible. These signs must not be taken lightly because they are a cry for help. Family members need to pay attention and have an open conversation with the person in need,” opined Dr Sandi Syiem, Director of Sanker Charitable Trust.
In an era of technology – a modern world with modern problems, young adults are exposed to different kinds of challenges, and pressures from all quarters – many of which lead to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.
“There have been many instances where social pressures and heavy competition drive students into the pit of depression. It is important, therefore, as parents and teachers to identify these psychological signs and look for professional help,” said the Principal of Laban Presbyterian Higher Secondary School Dr Rupabakor Kharshiing.
SUICIDE RATE IN MEGHALAYA
In Meghalaya, the statistics speak volumes about the seriousness of the issue. Suicide among young people is one of the serious health concerns of the state and the number is only going up, each year.
As per the Meghalaya Police’s record, at least 2635 cases of suicide were recorded from 2005 till 2022 – and the highest number of cases was recorded in 2021 with 226 cases.
MORE YOUNG MEN DIE BY SUICIDE THAN WOMEN IN MEGHALAYA
While most of the suicides among young people across the country are among females, in Meghalaya, more young men die by suicide compared to women. In 2022, at least 74 young people from 18 to 30 years old lost their lives to suicide, out of whom 58 were males and 16 were females.
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Jeffery W. Suting, the number of men dying by suicide in East Khasi Hills district alone is alarmingly high in the last year years. In 2021, 68 suicide cases were registered, out of whom, 57 were males and 11 were females; in 2022, out of 56 suicide cases, 44 were males and 12 were females; in 2023, out of 52 cases, 40 were males and 12 were females and in 2024 till July, 29 cases were registered, out of whom, 18 were males and 11 were females.
In Meghalaya, more females attempt suicide but more males die by suicide, said Dr. B. Sohkhlet, Consultant Psychiatrist of the District Mental Health Programme. “Females attempt suicide but fail because of various reasons, fear and doubt being some of them. Men, on the other hand, are more resolute and decisive. They die on their first attempt – hence, the disparity in the ratio,” he said.
He also pointed out that societal pressures and the unique customary practices in matrilineal Meghalaya could also contribute to more men dying by suicide than women. “But this requires a thorough and in-depth research,” Dr Sohkhlet added.
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WHAT ARE THE REASONS AND CAUSES FOR SUICIDE?
Reasons vary from family problems and relationships to addiction and mental health problems. “The main reason for any man or woman to take his/her life is Psychological pain,” said Dr Sandi Syiem while Dr Suting terms hopelessness, helplessness, and loneliness as triggering factors.
Pastor Khraw Sohtun, on the other hand, observed that celebrity influence and online gaming are also a few of the contributing factors that push many young adults to emulate their celebrity (s) or pattern of an online game – for example, the suicide of Nirvana lead vocalist Kurt Cobain (celebrity influence) and Blue Whale Challenge (online game).
Meanwhile, Jeffery W. Suting spelled out a list of reasons as mentioned by the NCRB. According to the police officer, out of the 1.71 lakh people who died by suicide in India, more than 55,000 cases were due to family issues. Aside from this, chronic illness or mental health problems, relationships, addiction, financial issues, unemployment, stigmatisation, and poverty are some of the other major causes.
“Let us also not forget the unregistered cases. There have been many instances where a compromise is reached between the Dorbar Shnong and the family of the patient/victim to keep the matter under wraps and not report the same to the police. This is still the kind of mindset that people have to date, even in Shillong,” Dr Sohkhlet said.
WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY ABOUT SUICIDE?
The old Indian Penal Code (IPC) criminalises suicide attempts. As per Section 309 of IPC, whoever attempts to commit suicide and does any act towards the commission of such offence, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with a fine, or with both.
However, in 2017 the Mental Health Care Act was passed. The act effectively decriminalised attempted suicide which was punishable under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code.
There was a transformative shift with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (BNS) – a new criminal law that replaced the colonial-era IPC and came into force in July 2024. This new legislation no longer has provisions criminalising attempted suicide. The explicit decriminalisation of attempted suicide by the BNS was aimed at destigmatisation of suicides and attempted suicides.
Though BNS has decriminalised attempted suicide in Section 309 of the erstwhile Indian Penal Code, it has, however, introduced a rather lethal provision under Section 226 of BNS i.e., ‘attempt to commit suicide to compel or restrain any public servant from discharging his official duty’.
SUICIDE PREVENTION
This year’s theme of World Suicide Prevention Day is “Changing the narrative on suicide” with the call to action “Start the Conversation”. This theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides.
Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.
“Just like how health education was introduced in schools, the same way mental health education needs to be a mandatory subject; because the time is right for mental health to be spoken and discussed in the open, without hesitation,” said Dr Rupabakor Kharshiing.
A family should function as a proper family, said Dr Sandi Syiem even as he stressed the need for open conversation between parents and children, to limit screen time and spend more time on eventful activities and talks.
“We observe this day to help spread awareness about suicide and how it is preventable,” he reiterated.
There is a need to prioritize suicide prevention and mental health in policymaking, calling for government action. Changing the narrative requires advocating for policies that prioritize mental health, increase access to care, and provide support for those in need.
Last year, the State Government introduced the Meghalaya Mental Health & Social Care Policy to promote overall mental health and well-being and facilitate appropriate access and care pathways for every member of society.
