In most of the cases in 2013, youths took the extreme step; Helplines abuzz this year too
Pune: Even as the suicide rate in Maharashtra has dropped by nearly one percent between 2012-2013, the same data released under the Accidental Deaths and Suicides Report of 2013 released by the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB), showed that the city of Pune recorded 23.6% rise in suicide incidents in the past year with 880 cases in 2013 which was up from 712 cases in 2012.
Also, suicide support helpline Connecting, which supports people, who are contemplating killing themselves has witnessed an increase in the number of callers. “We have received over 2,000 calls already this year from various parts of the city and state. The situation is worrisome as a majority of callers face relationship issues,” said Bobby Zachariah, CEO of Connecting. He added that 52 per cent of the callers call so that they get heard.
Agreeing to the increase in suicide cases over the past few years, city based psychiatrist Dr Swapnil Deshmukh said, “Yes now we see more patients than earlier and most common reason is fast paced lifestyle, competition and rising expectations. Besides that reasons for the increase in suicidal tendencies can be varied, they can be due to an emotional breakdown or financial failure. Most of the suicidal tendencies and clinical depression cases can get better with professional help at the right time.” He added that 90 per cent of the clinical depression patients can get suicidal feelings if not given immediate attention.
The NCRB report highlighted the major reasons for suicides among which divorces and unsettled marriages account for 35.7 per cent and 33.5 per cent respectively. “Marital problems and tensions related with marriages often result in depression and suicidal tendencies. There are approximately 10 to 12 divorce cases filed every day in the city’s family court, 80 per cent of which are not with mutual consent,” added Smita Joshi, a marriage counsellor at Family Court, Pune.
While talking of the general age group prone to depression, city-based psychiatrist Dr Neville Misquitta said, “Depression and suicidal tendencies are majorly observed in the age group of 20 to 40 years these days. Education pressure, financial problems and family issues cause more stress in this age group.” He added that the city is an attraction to many youngsters being a hub of Information Technology and Education. Hence, six out of every ten depression patients belong to the younger age groups.
Comparison of suicide cases in different cities of the state
City (2012) (2013) Percentage rise
Pune 712 880 21.6
Nagpur 501 523 4.4
Nasik 261 282 8
Mumbai 1296 1322 2
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