India’s Suicide Rate Drops 30% in Three Decades: Lancet

A recent Lancet study, based on data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021, highlights a 30% decline in India’s suicide death rate from 1990 to 2021. The study reveals that globally, one person dies by suicide every 43 seconds on average. In India, suicide rates have decreased significantly, particularly among females, with various mental health initiatives and policy reforms playing a crucial role in this decline.

Key Findings from The Lancet Study

Global Insights

• On average, one person dies by suicide every 43 seconds worldwide.

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India-Specific Findings

Overall suicide death rate,

• 1990: 18.9 per lakh population
• 2021: 13 per lakh population
• Greater decline observed in females compared to males.

Gender-wise Breakdown

• Females: Suicide rate declined from 16.8 per lakh (1990) to 10.3 per lakh (2021).
• Males: Suicide rate declined from 20.9 per lakh (1990) to 15.7 per lakh (2021).

Most Vulnerable Section

• Educated women in India (2020) recorded the highest suicide death rates.
• Family problems were identified as the most common contributing factor.

Initiatives & Factors Behind the Decline

1. Decriminalization of Suicide

• Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 decriminalized suicide, ensuring that survivors receive treatment instead of punishment.
• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) does not include any provision equivalent to Section 309 of the erstwhile IPC, which previously criminalized suicide attempts.

2. National Suicide Prevention Strategy (2022)

• Aims to reduce suicide mortality by 10% by 2030.

3. WHO’s Mental Health Action Plan (2013–2030)

• Recognizes mental health as a key factor in achieving overall well-being.

4. Other Key Initiatives

• National Mental Health Policy (2014): Focuses on mental well-being and suicide prevention.
•  Promotes mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

Toll-Free Helplines

• Manodarpan: Launched by the Ministry of Education for students’ mental health.
• KIRAN: A national helpline offering mental health support.