‘Peer pressure’ & ‘burden to perform’, top reasons for suicides among young adults

–         World Suicide Prevention Day 2020 must put the focus on protecting the “future” generations

Hyderabad, September 10, 2020: The death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput had put the focus on suicides in India, and many facets of mental health deaths were debated since the incident. It is also being widely reported that many young adults are taking the extreme step of ending their lives when India and the world are reeling under Covid-19 pandemic. And myriad reasons are emerging as the cause for the rise in the number of suicides committed.

On the day of September 10th _ World Suicide Prevention Day _ let’s look at the prevailing situation and means to deal with this “global pandemic” that sniffs out dreams and aspirations.

The National Crimes Record Bureau (NCRB) in a report revealed that more than 1.39 lakh people, 67% of whom were young adults, committed suicide in India, in the year 2019. And this figure is a 4% rise from the year before! Family problems which include enhanced pressure to perform better in whatever the individual does, financial problems, mental illness, drug & alcohol addiction are among the top reasons for young adults committing suicides.

Commenting on the problem and possible solutions, Dr. Jyothirmayi Kotipalli, Consultant Psychiatrist, Continental Hospitals said, “The World Health Organization listed mental illness as a prominent reason for young adults committing suicides. And it is the responsibility of the immediate family of knowing the warning signs! These warning signs include aspects like talking about death, feeling hopeless, condemning life, expressing unbearable pain/agony in life, and speaking about being a burden on others. Increased consumption of alcohol or drugs, acting anxious or agitated, reckless behavior, and self-isolation are among the symptoms.”

“Resiliency factors reduce risk factors to lead to suicidal ideation and behaviors. Once a child or adolescent is considered at risk, schools, families, and friends should work to build reconciliatory factors to help them wade away negative thoughts. Factors like family support and cohesion, peer support, close social networks, school & community connectedness, cultural or religious beliefs that discourage suicide and promote healthy living, help in building mental strength in the individual,” added Dr. Jyothirmayi.

Suicide is preventable! And most times, the individual, who tends towards taking the extreme step, sends signals for family, friends, and community around him/her to understand and extend help. It is important people do not overlook these warning signs, and when the community around the individual extends little help, the behavior of the individual could be rectified, and the life could be saved to see a brighter tomorrow.

Corporate Comm India (CCI Newswire)