Suicide Prevention: What can we do?
Dr Vijay Parkash
According to the National crime record bureau’s (NCRB) 2019 report a total of 1,39,123
suicides were reported with an increase of 0.2%. In the same report, distribution of suicide rates
among states showed that around 584 suicides were reported in Himachal Pradesh. Suicide is
one of the major public mental health issues in India. Suicide is where an individual deliberately
terminates their own lives. According to WHO, globally, suicide is the second leading cause
of death among the young population, making it a more concerning issue. There are various
factors that make an individual more vulnerable to suicide or suicidal behavior, such as;
previous attempts, mental illness, financial difficulties, serious illness, family and relationship
problems, stigma associated with help-seeking. Suicide is complicated but it is also
preventable. There are warning signs of suicide such as: talking about wanting to die (death
wishes) or killing themselves (suicidal thoughts or plan), feeling hopeless and empty, talking
about being a burden on others, social withdrawal, putting affairs in order (eg. Making a will),
risk taking behavior, etc. Understanding these warning signs can help prevent suicide and bring
in professional help to support the individual. There are various professional treatment and
therapies that can help a vulnerable individual. Other than that, as a layman here are a few ways
you can help. According to the National Institute of Mental Health these are the 5 steps to help
an individual in emotional pain:
1. Ask if they are thinking about harming themselves. Even though it’s a tough question
studies have shown that asking these type of question does not increase the risk. Keep
in mind that this has to be done in a very calm and non-threating manner.
2. Keep them physically safe by removing their access to any lethal object.
3. Listen to them carefully and try to understand their thoughts and feelings.
Acknowledging them can reduce the risk of suicidal thoughts.
4. Help them connect to a professional. This can be done by giving them a helpline number
or by helping them connect with a trusted individual or a mental health professional.
Suicide prevalence, risk factors and prevention strategies specific to COVID 19 Pandemic
If we look at data from Himachal Pradesh (As per HT published on 12/8/20 12.47 PMIST,) till
July 20 , average death per month was 67 which was much higher than 59 deaths per month in
2019. Among these victims, majority were men (62%) , having lower socio-economic status,
and housewives and those in between 15 to 35 years age group. At National level, COVID-19
related suicide rate was 16.7 per 1,00,000 population, which is well above the national average
of average 10.2 per 1,00,000 population. Many studies reported increasing number of
infections, uncertainty of outcome of covid 19 infection associated stress and anxiety,
lockdown restrictions, financial breakdown, lack of physical contact with family members and
friends and stigma associated with covid-19 were major factors for of suicide in COVID-19
Pandemic. Most COVID 19 patients committed suicide while they were away from families,
in isolation (COVID hospital, Quarantine centres) and during the first week of COVID positive
status. World Health Organisation (WHO) and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
(MoHFW), Government of India have identified lack of adequate information, fear of the
disease, and rumours/misinformation as the major contributory factors for higher suicide rate
Suicide prevention strategies specific to COVID- 19 pandemic situation
1. Health professionals must evaluate and closely monitor patients for anxiety, depressive
symptoms, suicidal ideas, stigma and uncertainty of illness outcome related to Covid –
19 infection
2. Patients in COVID care centre/isolation/quarantine centre need to be encouraged to
regularly use the telephonic /internet-based modalities to stay socially connected with
their family and friends
3. Health care providers should ensure adequate sleep, supervised routine physical
exercise and meditation
4. Peer based support and scheduled group interaction among patients in isolation or
treatment setup may help cope-up with stress in better way
Dr Vijay Parkash….
Clinical Director,
Mindbliss hospital, Santoshgarh, Una, HP
MD Psychiatry (PGI Chandigarh)
Ex. Senior Resident (PGI Chandigarh)
Member FIASP, FIAPP
Deaddiction specialist
7876210870
