World Suicide Prevention Day: Suicide cases on rise in Gujarat, most stem from mental health issues

September 10 marks World Suicide Prevention Day. On this day we look at the suicide data from Gujarat of the last three years, which paints a grim picture. Suicide cases in the state have risen sharply, with 2,841 deaths recorded over the past three years. On an average, 25 people die by suicide every day in the state. To prevent suicides and address mental stress, the state government has released a helpline number ‘104’.

So far, the helpline has received 7,737 calls. Of these, the highest number of calls were received from Ahmedabad (2,847), followed by Vadodara (609) and Banaskantha (53).

As per the data, the most pressing reason cited for people dying by suicide is mental stress. Out of the 7,737 calls received, 4,326 were related to mental health issues. Most of these calls were from people in the 25–36 and 36–45 age groups.

Reasons for Suicide 

According to mental health experts, stress often stems from high self-expectations and depression caused when not being able to meet them. In today’s era, people may have many friends on social media, but lack real friends in their daily lives.

(NCRB Report, Year 2022)

Social media has fuelled a trend of pretense and showing off, leading people to compare themselves with the success of their peers. This constant comparison can cause self-doubt and feelings of worthlessness, which may lead to suicide.