Leading in literacy and people ending lives; Kerala ranks third in suicides, second in suicides due to unemployment
THRISSUR: Despite being at the forefront of literacy, Kerala ranks third in the country in terms of suicides. This is the figure released by the National Crime Records Bureau. The highest number of suicides in the state of Kerala is in Kollam district. Unemployment, mental health problems, family problems, debt and alcoholism are common reasons, while hunger is also a cause of suicide.
13 men and three women died due to hunger in 2023. This figure comes amid Kerala's push to become a poverty-free state. This is the highest number of suicides due to hunger from 2013 to 2023. Most of those who commit suicide are between the ages of 18 and 30. The suicide rate is determined by calculating how many people per lakh. Kerala is in second place in mass suicides. There were 17 mass suicides. Tamil Nadu leads with 58 mass suicides. Kerala is in second place in suicides due to unemployment. Maharashtra is in first place. Andaman and Nicobar Islands lead the way in suicides with a rate of 49.6. Sikkim is second with a rate of 40.2.
Kollam leads
Most of the suicides in Kollam are by people under the age of 30. Among all the cities in the country, Kollam has the highest suicide rate of 48.6. The suicide rate in all the cities in the country is only 58.
Kerala closing in on top position
26.9 in 2021
28.5 in 2022
30.6 in 2023
34 in 2024
Reason for suicide
2021
- Starvation 4
- Unemployment 122
- Drunkenness 902
2022
- Starvation 4
- Unemployment 117
- Drunkenness 1047
2023
- Starvation 16
- Unemployment 127
- Drunkenness 1059
Suicides
- 2021- 9549
- 2022- 10,162
- 2023- 10,972
Most of the people who commit suicide are those who suffer from depression and those who lack the mental strength to solve their problems. When mental problems arise, many become addicted to drugs. This later leads to suicidal tendencies. It is advisable to speak openly. Everyone should stop being so reticent.
Dr. Shiny John
Prof. and Head
Department of Psychiatry
Amala Medical College