World Suicide Prevention Day 2023 holds significant importance in the global effort to raise awareness about the tragic impact of suicide on individuals and their families. Led by the World Health Organisation (WHO), this annual observance brings people together worldwide to combat and reduce suicide rates. It serves as an opportunity for individuals, communities, and nations to acknowledge the pressing need for improved mental health services, challenge the stigma surrounding suicide, and celebrate the resilience of survivors. Various events are scheduled for World Suicide Prevention Day 2023, including educational seminars, lectures, campaigns, and activities aimed at promoting suicide prevention. These activities will unite mental health professionals and individuals affected by suicide to share experiences, offer support, and raise awareness. The overarching goal of World Suicide Prevention Day 2023 is to reduce the incidence of suicides globally and provide assistance to those impacted by this crisis.

According to the media reports, on World Suicide Prevention Day, 1Life, a helpline that helps prevent suicide, shared insights based on their experience handling numerous calls from people seeking help with their mental well-being. They revealed that academic struggles and relationship problems are the main reasons behind suicides among young people in India.

From September 2022 to August 2023, 1Life volunteers handled a total of 22,674 calls. The majority of these calls, approximately 68 percent, came from students and young adults who were grappling with issues related to academic failures, such as exam stress and difficulties in managing peer pressure. Additionally, relationship challenges, including love failure and rejections, were another significant factor driving these calls. Furthermore, young adults also cited the lack of suitable employment opportunities and financial pressures as contributing factors to their distress.

K. Rebecca Maria, a Counseling Psychologist at 1Life, a suicide prevention helpline, shared her thoughts on these findings, expressing concern. She noted that while India is often seen as a close-knit family-oriented society with a prevalent joint family concept, many young individuals feel uncomfortable discussing their most troubling problems or issues with their family members. She lamented the unfortunate reality that certain uncomfortable issues affecting the lives of India's youth are not openly discussed within our society.

“World Suicide Prevention Day works to eliminate the persistent stigma that often surrounds mental health challenges. Its goal is to foster empathy, understanding, and acceptance, emphasizing that reaching out for assistance demonstrates strength and resilience rather than vulnerability,” said Dr. Neerja Agarwal, Co-Founder of Emoneeds.

“Human connection wields an incredible influence. A heartfelt check-in with a friend, a candid sharing of your emotions with a loved one, or the decision to seek professional assistance can work wonders in someone’s life. The simple act of being present for someone can serve as the lifeline they so desperately yearn for,” Agarwal added.

Here are the key findings from the helpline's statistics:

- Among individuals aged 15 to 25, a significant 65 percent reported feeling suicidal. The primary reasons included academic stress, parental expectations, personal failures, and relationship issues.

- For those in the age range of 25 to 40, approximately 50 percent mentioned challenges related to relationships, a lack of professional growth, diminished self-confidence, feelings of loneliness, and depression as factors contributing to their distress.

- Among callers aged 40 to 50, 40 percent faced issues such as financial instability, family crises, genetic history, and clinical history.

- For individuals aged above 50, 50 percent were dealing with issues like financial crisis conditions, health/medical problems, or had experienced family estrangement.

- Additionally, the helpline observed that 70 percent of male callers expressed suicidal feelings. They often hesitated to share their emotions due to concerns about ego and the fear of being judged by others.

- In contrast, 30 percent of female callers expressed suicidal thoughts. Women tended to be more open about their problems, displaying their emotions and willingness to talk about their issues.

(DISCLAIMER: If you or anyone you know needs help, please reach out to one of these helpline numbers: 022-27546669 (Aasra, Mumbai), +91 44 2464 0050 (Sneha, Chennai), 011-23389090, (Sumaitri, Delhi), 040-66202000 (Roshni, Hyderabad) , +91 11 41198666 (Sangath Tele-Counselling), 1800-599-0019 (Kiran), +918422984528, +91 8422984529 and +91 8422984530 (Samaritans), +91 8448440632 (Manodarpan), 14416 and 1800-891-4416 (Tele-MANAS).)