A significant 18.4 percent of suicides reported last year were attributed to chronic illnesses or deteriorating health conditions, as per the National Crimes Records Bureau (NCRB). The NCRB report reveals that 31,450 individuals, grappling with serious conditions such as AIDS, cancer, and degenerative neuro disorders, chose to take their own lives in 2022.
Speaking to Health On Air, Dr. Deepak Raheja, a senior psychiatrist and director of Hope Care India, emphasized the direct correlation between declining health and suicidal tendencies among people diagnosed with serious illnesses. “The act of taking one’s own life is confounded by several factors, including biological, psychological, clinical, environmental, and social factors. Individuals facing chronic illnesses often grapple not just with the physical toll but also with emotional and psychological challenges. The risk of suicide invariably increases in people diagnosed with severe health conditions due to the complex interplay between physical health and mental well-being,” said Dr. Raheja.
Furthermore, he added that chronic illnesses are associated with several factors contributing to the declining mental health of a patient. He said, “Chronic illnesses bring about a myriad of stressors, including the burden of managing symptoms, potential lifestyle changes, and uncertainties about the future. The emotional toll, encompassing feelings of hopelessness and despair, can be overwhelming. Additionally, societal stigma or a lack of understanding surrounding certain illnesses may isolate individuals, exacerbating their struggles.”
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Among the states, Andaman & Nicobar recorded the highest rate of suicides due to illnesses at 48%, followed by Punjab (44.9%) and Tamil Nadu (33.9%) in 2022.
In terms of numerical figures, Tamil Nadu witnessed a staggering 6,715 individuals ending their lives due to failing health and illness, followed by Madhya Pradesh (3,217), Karnataka (3,109), and Andhra Pradesh (2,186).
The report identifies ‘Illness’ as the second major cause of suicides, after ‘Family problems,’ which accounted for accounting for 31.7% of all cases in the country.
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Additionally, Dr. Raheja underscored that psychiatric care can play an important role in reducing the burgeoning stress on people. “Integrating psychiatric care into the overall treatment approach for chronic illnesses could potentially contribute to reducing the alarming rates of suicides among those dealing with such conditions,” he said.
When combined with Marriage-related problems (4.5%), illnesses, and family issues collectively contributed to 54.9% of the total suicides in the country.
The report shows a concerning rise in the number of suicides in 2022 compared to previous years, with a total of 1,70,924 reported deaths by suicide, exceeding the 2021 figure of 1,64,033.
