Bangalore: Growing up is fraught with suicidal tendencies. A Nimhans study under way has found that 11% of college students and 7%-8% of high school students have attempted suicide.
In the survey, 1,500 school and college students were studied on suicide prevention.
“What’s bothering the current adolescent generation is stress due to academics, relationship with parents, peer groups and romantic relationships,” says Dr M Manjula, associate professor, department of psychiatry, Nimhans, who is spearheading the study.
An earlier Nimhans study involving 800 teenagers revealed that 20% of children suffered from subclinical depression, while 30% suffered from mild to moderate depression, she said.
According to Dr John Vijay Sagar, child and adolescent psychiatrist, high rate of cyber-bullying is also a trigger for depression among adolescents. Counselling parents is vital in such cases, he added.
Nimhans experts were speaking about the study in the backdrop of the World Suicide Prevention Day observed on September 10.
Dr G Gururaj, professor of epidemiology, Nimhans, said there has been a huge increase in suicides in India from nearly 40,000 in 1920 to 1,35,000 by 2013.
“It’s estimated that 15-20 lakh suicide attempts occur in India every year. For every suicide committed, there are a minimum of 15-20 persons attempting suicide. Not all suicides are reported to police due to the stigma attached to it. The victim’s family also suffers for depression and don’t get post-trauma counselling,” he said.
He said World Health Organisation estimates and police statistics differ as not all suicides are reported and the truth lies somewhere in between.
The gatekeepers
A retired Indian Air Force professional is like a gatekeeper who keeps death at bay. He is among around 400 persons trained to spot suicidal instincts among people and deter them from taking the extreme step.
These gatekeepers are the result of a joint endeavour of the Nimhans’ Centre for Well Being and NGO White Swan Foundation. The organizations have also launched a website to prevent suicides.
“A gatekeeper is someone who believes suicide can be prevented at the community level. A gatekeeper can be a teacher, parent, student, community leader, social worker, layman, counsellor, doctor or anyone empowered with knowledge and basic skills in suicide prevention,” said Dr P Satish Chandra, director Nimhans.
Those interested in making the difference between life and death can visit gatekeepersindia.org and enrol for the programme.
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