Many suicides happen suddenly during tough times, not just due to mental disorders like depression or alcohol use.
Factors like experiencing loss, feeling lonely, discrimination, breakup, money problems, chronic pain, violence, abuse, or emergencies can contribute.
The biggest risk factor for suicide is having attempted it before.
In India, suicide is a growing problem, especially affecting young people, the elderly, and those with special needs.
The Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 in India makes attempting suicide not a crime and ensures medical help for those who try.
Programs like the National Mental Health Programme and Ayushman Bharat's Health and Wellness Centres aim to provide good care, including for addiction and rehabilitation.
Better data collection on suicides helps make policies and track progress.
Teaching life skills and offering counseling in schools and workplaces can help prevent suicide.
In India, common methods of suicide include pesticides, guns, hanging, jumping off bridges, and train incidents.
Policies that restrict access to these means and provide counseling can help prevent suicides.
India needs a strong plan to prevent suicide, involving different sectors and following the National Mental Health Policy of 2014.