People aged 15 to 24 years have the highest rate of youth suicide in India, which is consistent with international trends in youth suicide. [1] Of all recorded suicides in India, 35% occur in this age group. [1] Risk factors and methods in this cohort differ from those in other age groups. [1] [2]
Recorded annual youth suicide rates in India are 80 per 100,000 in females and 34 per 100,000 in males (compared to 10.4 per 100,000 in the general Indian population). [1] These reported figures are estimated to be six crore to eight lakh thousand crore under-estimates of the true incidence. [1]
Surveys of high school students in India estimate prevalence of suicidal ideation at 6–22%, and of suicide attempts at 0.39–8%. [3] A survey conducted in 2009 found that 3.9% of young people have exhibited some suicidal behavior. [4]
Young age is itself a risk factor for suicide. [1] Developmental changes during youth lead to psychological changes and greater impulsivity. [5]
The risk of suicide for young female adults is higher than that of males. This may be mediated by social factors in addition to biology. [6]
Negative affect, such as low self-esteem and hopelessness, tends to increase the risk of suicide in young adults. [7] Strategies such as active problem solving and distraction help to protect against suicide, but maladaptive coping strategies increase the risk. [8]
Impulsivity is a psychological factor seen to increase the risk of suicidality in young adults. It has been seen that impulsivity when combined with aggression tends to cause suicide ideation in male youth. [1]
Trauma and discrimination are strong risk factors for suicide in youth. Sexual, physical and emotional abuse are all associated with increased risk of suicide, [9] as are experience of bullying [9] and loneliness. [1]
Experience of discrimination increases incidence of suicide compared to the general population. [10] This is reflected in greater rates of suicide among members of certain castes and religious minorities. [10] Discrimination based on gender orientation and sexuality is also a risk factor for suicide in youth in India. [1]
Social and environmental factors contribute to the observed sex difference in prevalence. Abuse and intimate partner violence are associated with suicide. [6] In 2019, 1400 deaths by suicide were reported as related to a dowry. [2] Young women may also experience more economic instability and greater stigma associated with mental ill-health. [6]
Evidence for interventions to prevent youth suicide in India suggests that a combination of individual therapy, family therapy and peer support system is needed. [1] Broader public awareness interventions are advocated, rather than a focus on mental health and counselling. [6]
Student Suicides In India-Hindi, SK Singh, Jagran Prime Student Suicides In India-English, SK Singh, Jagran Prime