In a deeply concerning revelation, the Gujarat government informed the Legislative Assembly on Monday that the state has witnessed a staggering 25,478 suicides over the last three financial years, shedding light on a growing mental health and societal crisis.
The grim statistics were made public in response to a written question posed by Congress MLA Imran Khedawala.
The reply, furnished by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who also holds the Home portfolio, included detailed data outlining the number of suicides recorded each year, the demographics of the victims, and their possible causes.
Annual Breakdown of Suicides
According to the figures shared on the floor of the House, the number of suicides per year is as follows:
- 2020-21: 8,307 suicides
- 2021-22: 8,614 suicides
- 2022-23: 8,557 suicides
This data reveals that on average, over 8,400 people per year in Gujarat chose to end their lives, pointing to a persistent and unaddressed set of challenges affecting individuals across various age groups and backgrounds.
Tragic Toll on Students
Of particular concern is the tragic impact on students, with 495 cases of student suicides reported during this period. The gender-wise breakdown shows:
- Male students: 249
- Female students: 246
These numbers reflect the immense pressures faced by young individuals, whether academic, emotional, or societal, which in some cases push them to take such an irreversible step.
District-Wise Data: Urban Centers Most Affected
The data indicates that Gujarat’s urban centers reported the highest number of suicide cases:
- Ahmedabad city: 3,280 suicides
- Surat city: 2,862 suicides
- Rajkot city: 1,287 suicides
These figures suggest that urban stress, social isolation, financial burdens, and competitive lifestyles may be contributing factors in these regions.
Causes Cited by the Government
The government’s analysis identified a range of causes contributing to suicides in the state, including:
- Mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety
- Romantic or relationship issues
- Chronic or terminal illness
- Family disputes and domestic tensions
- Financial hardships or debt
- Fear of academic failure, especially among students
These causes span both personal and socio-economic spheres, indicating the need for a multi-pronged approach to suicide prevention.
Government’s Preventive Measures
In response to the rising suicide numbers, the Gujarat government has launched several helpline services and mental health initiatives:
- ‘181 Abhayam’: A 24/7 helpline primarily for women in distress, offering psychological support and guidance
- ‘1096 Zindagi’: A suicide prevention helpline providing counselling services for individuals in emotional turmoil
- Deployment of ‘SHE’ teams: Specially trained units at various police stations tasked with providing immediate intervention and counselling to vulnerable individuals, especially women and youth
These initiatives aim to identify early signs of emotional distress, offer timely counselling, and potentially prevent self-harm.
Need for Broader Intervention
While these efforts are commendable, mental health professionals and civil society activists believe that much more needs to be done. They are calling for:
- Widespread awareness campaigns to de-stigmatize mental health
- Strengthening school counselling systems
- Community-based mental health support
- Stronger monitoring of at-risk individuals
- Financial and emotional rehabilitation for those facing severe personal crises
The numbers disclosed in the Assembly paint a sobering picture of emotional despair, particularly among the young and urban populace.
It serves as a clarion call for authorities, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and families to prioritize mental wellness and social support as a core component of public health and safety.
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