Suicides in Northern India: Causes, methods used and prevention

Abstract

Suicide patterns and rates differ in various populations and cultures. It has been reported that developing countries have lower suicide rates, possibly because of a lower level of environmental stress but the Indians have a very high suicide rate (Elfawal, 1999). The choice of method used to commit suicide depends on availability of means, knowledge about lethal effectiveness, and the victim's motivation and intent. The present work was designed to investigate the different methods of self-destruction, the age and gender susceptibility to suicide, the groups particularly affected and the underlying motivating factor for such an extreme step among the North Indians. Various suggestions relating to decreasing the tensions of the modern mechanical life-style, educating the public in general and the availability, use and storage of agrochemicals have been put forward. Marriage counselling and the concept of family planning are also advocated.

Suicide in Children and Adolescents

“…19 If this is true, then the tactics of suicide prevention must be altered. In contrast, in the Northern India study done by Sharma et al, 13 99% of the suicides under the age of 20 were attributed to poisoning (56%) and thermal injuries (43%). The number of poisonings in this study was 3/31, and there is a statistically significant difference (P Ͻ 0.0001).…”

“…4 -11 Two studies, 1 from Northern India (Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh) and 1 from Diyarbakir, Turkey, demonstrate a higher proportion of female suicides. 12,13 In the Turkish study, Goren et al 12 noted that 71% of the children and adolescent suicides were female, which is in contrast to most of the published literature. The male-to-female ratio for adolescent suicide in the study in Northern India was 1:1.…”

“…The male-to-female ratio for adolescent suicide in the study in Northern India was 1:1. 13 In both studies, the cultural and social status of women was thought to be a major contributor. 12,13 The majority of suicides in this study occurred in familiar surroundings, usually the victims' home (65%).…”

Suicides in Northern India: Comparison of trends and review of literature

“…North India being agriculture based region, agrochemicals are easily available and therefore, responsible for maximum number of suicides particularly among the males. 37 Preference for self-immolation among the females can be attributed to age-old religious significance attached to the fire among the Hindus (prayers and marriages before the flames and even cremation by subjecting to flames). 47 Depression and substance abuse are well-established risk factors for suicide in both adults and adolescents.…”

“…29,[34][35][36] Results from countries like India, Sri Lanka, China and USA, show that availability of insecticides and guns have been increasingly associated with increased suicide rates. 37,2,3 Among mental disorders, depression is said to be associated with the highest risk of suicide. 38 Researchers believe that both depression and suicidal behavior can be linked to decreased serotonin in the brain.…”