125% increase in suicide attempts in 2021
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir had the highest number of reported cases of attempted suicide in 2022.
Of the 1,769 cases across India in 2022, 497 were reported from the UT alone, according to a report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), published in December 2023.
This amount to nearly 30% of all suicide attempts throughout India.
Jammu and Kashmir Police records revealed a rise in suicide attempts in 2021, with 586 cases reported in the Valley in 2021, compared to 472 cases in 2020, a jump of nearly 125%.
The trend was highlighted also by data from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), which recorded 365 suicide attempts and 127 deaths between February 2021 and August 2022.
As per the National Human Rights Commission of India, 20,000 people have attempted to die by suicide in the 14 years of socio-political unrest in Kashmir, from 1990 to 2004.
Of these, 3,000 attempts resulted in death, mostly among those aged 16 to 25.
Dr Nizam-ud-Din, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at SKIMS Medical College and Hospital, says, “family, friends, or counselors play a huge role in prevention of suicides. As a society, we need to de-stigmatize mental illness.”
He said that the mind should be treated like any other organ, and mental health disorders are no different from diabetes, hypertension, and other medical conditions.
“Early detection and intervention can save lives. We need to change the narrative on suicide and start conversations, which is the theme of World Suicide Prevention Day 2024,” Dr Nizam added.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), nearly 8,00,000 people die by suicide each year.
WHO points out, mental health issues are universal, but stigma and lack of resources often prevent people from seeking help.
In Kashmir, it difficult for many to access mental health services, leaving people feeling isolated and hopeless.
Mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and stress, can make life feel unbearable for those grappling with them. Psychiatrist and medical superintendent at GMC Srinagar, Dr Muzaffar Jan said that by asking about their thoughts and offering a listening ear, you give them a chance to express themselves and, possibly, prevent a tragedy. It’s vital to remember that showing care won’t trigger suicidal thoughts; instead, it can help alleviate loneliness and negative emotions.
“When speaking with someone who is struggling, approach the conversation with empathy and patience. Avoid judgment, and offer reassurance that help is available. Let them know they’re not alone, and that their feelings are temporary, even if they can’t see that right now. Taking these steps can be a critical part of preventing a suicide attempt,” Dr Jan said.
In her study, Kristin Neff, an Associate Professor of Human Development and Culture at the University of Texas, Austin, explains that “many people feel overwhelmed by their suffering and judge themselves harshly for not being able to cope better. This only makes matters worse.”
Ufra Mir, peace-psychologist and founder, International Center for Peace Psychology (ICPP), said that suicide is a complex and systemic issue, that needs to be understood from a multidimensional ecological model where psychosocial, political, economic, religious and spiritual aspects play an important role.
“Simply putting the blame on individual as if it’s a biological issue, is problematic. Or saying that people with mental illnesses choose to die by suicide, is adding to the problematic narrative. If anything, we need to move beyond asking people to just seek help; and instead as a community become more observant and empathetic and reach out to people we see are struggling,” Mir said.
ICPP works at the intersection of mental health psychosocial support, arts, and peace and conflict analysis.
“We still stigmatise against people whose family members die by suicide raising questions on their values. We need to reflect on why youth especially feel so pressurised to consider such steps; what is driving them to these thoughts,” Ufra says.
Global expert Dr Vikram Patel, a psychiatrist and professor of global health in the Blavatnik Institute’s Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School, stresses that “mental health issues are common, but the stigma surrounding them discourages people from seeking help.”
In many cultures, mental illness is seen as a sign of weakness, further isolating those who suffer from it. This sense of isolation can deepen feelings of hopelessness, which is why initiatives like World Suicide Prevention Day are so crucial.
Aneeqa Khalid, a mental health professional working on suicide prevention at Center for Mental Law and Policy, Pune and on Mental Health Advocacy at International Center for Peace Psychology (ICPP), Srinagar also stressed upon its sensitiveness an how suicide is often being misunderstood and reported irresponsibly.
“ICPP conducted an open forum on August 25th to have a reflective conversation to understand better how to talk about and report on it with more accountability,” she said.
Psychologist Dr Thomas Joiner, author of Why People Die by Suicide, explains that “the act of seeking support, even in its smallest form, can create a powerful buffer against suicidal thoughts.” Talking to a friend, family member, or mental health professional can provide an outlet for expressing emotions and can be the first step toward healing.
How to seek help
For those facing mental health challenges, it can be hard to know where to turn. Dr John Campo, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, encourages people to “look for support networks in your community, whether through local mental health clinics, helplines, or online resources.”
Many government and private organisations and NGOs in Kashmir provide free or low-cost therapy services, and helplines area available on social media as well. Social connection is another critical aspect of suicide prevention.
Studies have shown that maintaining strong relationships can protect individuals from feelings of isolation and despair. Engaging with loved ones, even in small ways, can be life-saving. It reminds individuals that they are valued and that others care for their well-being.
Breaking the stigma
Perhaps one of the most powerful tools in suicide prevention is breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.
According to WHO, “addressing mental health requires not just policy changes but societal shifts in how we view mental illness.” This means fostering an environment where it is okay to ask for help, where people feel safe to discuss their struggles without fear of judgment.
Renowned author, speaker, professor, and podcast host Brené Brown says, “swhame loves secrecy. When we bring our stories out into the open, we stop shame in its tracks.”
At the heart of this collective effort is the belief that every life matters. Mental health advocate and an American suicide prevention speaker Kevin Hines, who survived a suicide attempt, shares a powerful message: “Hope is real, and help is real. The moment you ask for help, things begin to change.”
