While World Suicide Prevention Day, observed annually on September 10, provides a vital platform for awareness, mental health professionals in Kerala stress that the escalating public health crisis of suicide demands a consistent, year-round commitment. This ongoing effort aligns with the 2024–2026 triennial theme: ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide.’ The urgency of this commitment is underscored by alarming statistics, which reveal a significant 28.6% rise in suicide-related deaths across Kerala between 2014 and 2024. Experts believe a proactive, community-based ‘grassroots model,’ implemented at the local ward level, could be pivotal in reversing these climbing rates.
P.N. Suresh Kumar, former Director of the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Kozhikode, and Chairman of the Thanal Suicide Prevention Centre, highlights the potential of such an approach. He states that ‘a dedicated team of well-trained social workers and psychologists, by providing timely services and guidance, can lead to the early detection and prevention of suicidal impulses on a large scale.’ He further explains that these crucial services could also help identify and address serious mental illnesses, such as depression and schizophrenia, much earlier within communities.
Data compiled by the State Crime Records Bureau paints a stark picture: 53% of suicide cases occurred within the 30–60 adult age group, with a noticeable male-to-female ratio of 82:18. Familial and marital discord emerged as the predominant contributing factors, accounting for approximately 54% of cases. Other causal elements included drug usage (10.2%), job-related stress (1.5%), unemployment (0.9%), and various mental or physical health conditions (18.7%). Geographically, Thiruvananthapuram reported the highest incidence at 48.2%, followed by Kollam (47.0%), Idukki (39.5%), Wayanad (38%), Alappuzha (34.8%), and Thrissur (32%).
Further demographic analysis shows that 76.1% of individuals who died by suicide were married, 19.1% were unmarried, and 2.0% were divorced. Regarding educational background, 57% had achieved high school or higher secondary qualifications, while 6.1% held graduate, postgraduate, or professional degrees.
Dr. Varsha Vidyadharan, an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Kozhikode Government Medical College, emphasizes the efficacy of straightforward strategies. She notes that ‘open communication, reducing stigma, ensuring access to counselling services, and fostering supportive peer networks can effectively buffer distress and prevent escalation of suicidal thoughts.’ Both Dr. Kumar and Dr. Vidyadharan agree that achieving a significant reduction in these distressing statistics necessitates a continuous, action-oriented methodology, collaboratively executed by district and state-level officials.
For those experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts, immediate help and counselling are available through the following numbers: DISHA – 1056, 0471-2552056, State’s health helpline 104, Maithri – 0484-2540530, and Thanal Suicide Prevention Centre – 0495-2760000.