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Alarming Rise In Male Suicides In India: What Is The Root Cause?

In many traditional family structures, men are expected to shoulder all of these duties, sometimes to the point where their sense of responsibility becomes toxic.

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Alarming Rise In Male Suicides In India: What Is The Root Cause?

Alarming Rise In Male Suicides In India: What Is The Root Cause?

Men are often perceived as the pillars of strength in society, expected to be strong, self-reliant, and emotionally stoic.

However, beneath this façade, a growing crisis is unfolding in India, one that is shattering the lives of countless men.

Suicide rates among men have surged in recent years, with alarming statistics that paint a grim picture of mental health struggles largely hidden from the public eye.

In a society where men are taught to suppress vulnerability and mask their emotions, many find themselves trapped in a cycle of isolation, stress, and despair.

Suicide has emerged as a critical public health issue in India, with a particularly concerning rise in male suicides in recent years.

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The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported that in 2022, there were 171,000 suicides in India, marking a 4.2% increase from 2021 and a 27% rise compared to 2018. The suicide rate per 100,000 population reached 12.4 in 2022, the highest recorded to date.

Also, the gender disparity in suicide rates is stark. In 2021, the male-to-female suicide ratio was 72.5:27.4, with 118,979 male suicides compared to 45,026 female suicides. This indicates that men are significantly more likely to die by suicide than women in India.

But What Is The Root Cause?

From an early age, men are taught to suppress their feelings and maintain a stoic demeanour. As a result, many men become reluctant to express their struggles, fearing social judgment and the risk of being teased or ridiculed by their peers.

This societal pressure creates an environment where they feel isolated and unable to seek help, even when dealing with overwhelming emotional distress.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues, leading to an increase in suicides. Lockdowns, social isolation, and economic hardships have intensified stress and anxiety, particularly among men.

The pandemic has disrupted daily life, leading to job losses and financial instability, which contributed to risk factors for suicide.

The reluctance to discuss personal issues or seek support can result in feelings of isolation and hopelessness, increasing the risk of suicide. However, the reason varies depending upon the plight of the person.

As per a News Minute article, family issues are the leading cause of suicides, accounting for 23.06% of cases. The NCRB defines “family problems” broadly, encompassing marital discord, domestic violence, and intergenerational conflicts.

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The use of alcohol and other substances is prevalent among men and is often linked to suicidal behaviour. Substance abuse can impair judgment and lower inhibitions, increasing the risk of suicide.

Sometimes, it’s not money but loneliness that drives individuals to despair, even when they are surrounded by people.

 If financial issues were the sole cause, we might not have seen the tragic case of Sushant Singh Rajput, who, despite his success, faced deep emotional isolation that ultimately led to his suicide.
Some people seek therapy but feel that they’re not treated with the care they need, which can lead to a loss of hope.
Others may retreat into isolation, feeling abandoned even when they are surrounded by love. This sense of rejection and emotional neglect can contribute to feelings of hopelessness that lead some to take their own lives.
The societal expectation for men to be the primary breadwinners often amplifies the stress tied to financial struggles.
Alongside this, they face a multitude of burdens, such as job pressures, family problems, and the responsibility of providing for children’s education.
In many traditional family structures, men are expected to shoulder all of these duties, sometimes to the point where their sense of responsibility becomes toxic.
This mindset can prevent women from working or contributing financially, as the burden on men is seen as their sole responsibility, leading to emotional exhaustion and greater stress.
Coming to unmarried men, they often face bullying and harassment from social circles, along with the emotional toll of lost love.
While they may not express it openly, many are deeply affected by these pressures. Some are so fragile emotionally that they feel like they can’t go on, leading them to contemplate whether they can continue living at all.
How to Build a Support System?
Promoting mental health education and reducing stigma can encourage individuals to seek help. Men should open up to women, share their feelings with their families, and address their trauma.
It’s important for them to acknowledge and understand their emotions and recognise the reality of their struggles rather than keep everything bottled up.
They should embrace the fact that it’s okay to show emotions, cry, and heal. It’s time to break the stigma of being “macho” and instead recognise that being human means acknowledging vulnerability and seeking support.
Topics
India men men suicide suicide Suicide Attempt why do men suicide

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