Suicide Leading Cause of Death Among India’s Youth: Reports

Suicides cause nearly 60,000 deaths annually in the age group of 15-24 years in India.

According to the report by the Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Well-being, suicides, road injuries, TB and depressive disorders were among the top four risk factors for “health loss” among Indian youth, reports The Indian Express.

The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) also confirmed that suicide is the major reason for death among Indian youth, causing nearly 60,000 deaths annually in the 15-24 years age group, reports the Hindustan Times.

We are certainly not doing enough, for the death toll in youth has been rising for the past decade, even while many other countries like China and Sri Lanka have been able to achieve just the opposite. As an immediate priority, the government must launch a national programme, with the active participation of youth, to address these leading causes of death and illness.

Vikram Patel, Professor for Mental Health in Centre for Global Mental Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Student suicides have become increasingly common as well, with a spate of recent suicides in coaching towns. Read The Quint’s full report on student suicides in India here.