Rising Suicide Cases In J&K: Time To Tackle Underlying Issues

The rise in suicides in Jammu and Kashmir is very worrying and shows how much people are suffering. According to the latest report from the NCRB, 365 people ended their lives in 2023. This represents a 13 per cent increase from 2022, when 323 people took this tragic step. These numbers tell us that many families and individuals are going through difficult times. The main reason for this increase is unemployment. Almost half of the suicides – 178 out of 365 – were because of joblessness. Most of these victims were men, and their numbers have more than doubled in just one year. Losing a job and being unable to find new work can leave many feeling hopeless, leading them to take extreme measures. Men, who often see work as their responsibility, are affected the most. Family problems are also a big reason for suicide, causing 60 deaths in 2023. Illness and health issues are other major causes, with 46 people losing their lives because of health-related problems. The report also shows a sharp rise in suicides linked to love and relationships. In 2023, 40 people died because of broken relationships or emotional pain, which is more than double the number from the previous year. Financial problems are another major factor. Most victims – about 241 – had very low income, earning less than one lakh rupees a year. Even those earning between one and five lakh rupees are not safe from these struggles. Money problems create a lot of stress and hopelessness, pushing some people to end their lives. Most suicides are carried out by hanging, which is the most common method. Poisoning is the second most used way. Experts say that men tend to choose more dangerous methods, which is why more men die from suicide than women. Women, on the other hand, try to end their lives more often but are less often successful. Experts have called for comprehensive mental health services, accessible counselling, and awareness programmes. Addressing unemployment and economic instability, coupled with community-based support systems, can help stem this tide of despair. Without concerted efforts to tackle these underlying issues, the region risks further tragedy. All stakeholders must unite to restore hope and resilience among the people of Jammu and Kashmir.