Suicides in India tied to mental health issues have increased by 44% between 2018 and 2022, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). The majority of these suicides were among individuals aged 18 to 45, with three out of five suicides occurring in this age group. The NCRB categorizes suicides related to mental health under ‘insanity’ or ‘mental illness.’
The most significant spike in suicides occurred during the pandemic years, particularly in 2020, when suicides related to mental health rose by 25% compared to 2019. By 2022, the numbers increased by another 6%.
Vrushali Raut, a mental health expert from Pune, explained the rise, stating, “The increase in suicides linked to mental illness post-2019 is not surprising. The COVID-19 pandemic caused collective trauma, loss of loved ones, job losses, and isolation. It was not only grief; it was PTSD on a national scale.”
India’s Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, guarantees access to mental health services, ensuring they are affordable, high-quality, and available without discrimination. However, challenges remain, particularly with the classification and reporting of suicide cases.
The underreporting of suicides, especially among women, is a major concern. In 2022, men accounted for nearly 72% of suicides linked to mental health, with 10,365 male suicides compared to 4,234 female suicides. Experts believe that suicides among women are often undercounted, with some deaths misclassified as accidents or natural causes. In 2021, over half of the women who died by suicide were housewives, and 26% died by poisoning. Social pressures, including the fear of dowry-related accusations, can deter families from reporting these deaths as suicides.
The Union government launched the National Tele-Mental Health Programme (NTMHP), branded as Tele-MANAS, in October 2022 to offer 24/7 mental health counseling. As of February 2025, the service has handled over 1.8 million calls across 53 centers in 36 states and union territories. The helpline operates in 20 languages and has received Rs 363 crore in funding over the last three years for its expansion.
Raut emphasized the need for greater mental health awareness across the country. “We need more than helplines; we need awareness in every language and every region,” she said. “Mental health support should be accessible to all, not a privilege for a few.”
Community-led mental health interventions have proven effective in improving access to care, particularly for marginalized groups. These models address issues like cost and stigma, making mental health support more widely available.
The youth, particularly those aged 18 to 30, face the highest risk of suicide. In 2022, this age group reported 59,108 suicides, accounting for two-thirds of all suicides in the country. According to Raut, the pressures of academics, job instability, and sleep deprivation contribute to high levels of stress among young people. “It’s easy for young people to slip into depression without even realizing it,” she said.
The Economic Survey of India 2024-25 highlighted the urgent need to prioritize mental health, noting that the country’s economic future depends on the well-being of its youth. The survey warned that neglecting mental health could hinder broader development goals.
A 2024 study revealed that the 20-34 age group accounts for over 53% of the economic burden of suicides in India, with productivity losses exceeding $8.8 billion.
In total, India reported 170,924 suicides in 2022, a 27% increase from 134,516 suicides in 2018. The national suicide rate rose from 10.2 per 100,000 people in 2018 to 12.4 in 2022, the highest rate recorded in over a decade.
Globally, more than 720,000 people die by suicide each year, with suicide being the third leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds. Low and middle-income countries, including India, account for 73% of global suicides. The causes of suicide are multifaceted, involving social, cultural, psychological, biological, and environmental factors.
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