What Do We Know About Suicides? Let’s Breakdown Myths vs Facts

Dr Harish Shetty, a leading psychiatrist, breaks down myths vs facts on suicide

(This story was first published in August 2018. It is being republished ahead of the World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September.)

Every hour one student dies of suicide in India. We top the charts when it comes to deaths in young adults due to suicide. And yet not enough is being done to address the mental health crisis in the country.

Dr Harish Shetty is a psychiatrist at Dr LH Hiranandani hospital in Mumbai. He actively works to bust myths about what we think we know about people who commit suicide. These myths perpetuate an image of those who do self harm that is misleading and fails to protect those in need.

Dr Shetty has highlighted these myths and facts about suicide in his blog post here. We are reproducing it on FIT with his permission.

(Dr Harish Shetty is a psychiatrist at Dr L H Hiranandani hospital in Mumbai.)

(If you have suicidal thoughts, or if you know someone who needs help, please refer to this state-wise list of credible mental health professionals.)