Mizoram has witnessed over 900 suicides in the past decade, with a significant number of these cases involving young adults, according to local authorities. During the observation of World Suicide Prevention Day in Aizawl, Aizawl Superintendent of Police Rahool Alwal shared alarming data revealing that between 2014 and July 2024, a total of 948 people in the state took their own lives. Of those, men accounted for 84 percent, while women made up 16 percent, highlighting a worrying trend among men in particular.
Alwal explained that the majority of these tragic deaths were concentrated among individuals aged between 20 and 39 years. This age group, comprising 584 people, represented the largest portion of those who died by suicide. Young adults, often seen as being at the prime of their lives, seem to be grappling with challenges that push them to such extreme measures. The next most affected group was those aged between 40 and 59 years, with 201 people losing their lives. There were also 117 cases among minors aged 1 to 19 years, pointing to the vulnerabilities faced even by the youngest members of the population. Forty individuals over the age of 60 also died by suicide during this period, showing that mental health concerns do not discriminate by age.
This year alone, 49 people have already taken their own lives, painting a distressing picture of the ongoing mental health crisis in Mizoram. As World Suicide Prevention Day is observed globally each year on September 10, local authorities in Mizoram are increasingly focused on addressing this issue. The day, organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention and co-sponsored by the World Health Organization, aims to raise awareness that suicide is preventable. In Mizoram, the efforts are urgent, as the numbers of people dying from suicide continue to rise year after year.
The statistics shared by police point to a deeper societal problem. While men make up the overwhelming majority of suicide victims in the state, women are not immune to the pressures that can lead to such decisions. Among the 948 people who died by suicide in the last ten years, 154 were women, underscoring the need for comprehensive mental health care and support for both men and women across different age groups.
Several factors likely contribute to the high suicide rates in Mizoram, particularly among young adults. While the exact reasons vary from case to case, experts often cite mental health struggles, societal pressures, substance abuse, financial stress, and a lack of access to adequate mental health care as potential driving forces. The economic and social challenges that many young adults face can create feelings of hopelessness, which, without proper intervention, may lead to tragic outcomes.
Mizoram’s police and mental health organizations have been working together to address this issue, but the challenge remains immense. With limited mental health resources and the stigma surrounding mental health conditions still prevalent in many parts of India, including Mizoram, accessing help is not always easy for those in need. However, there are ongoing efforts by local authorities, non-profits, and mental health advocates to improve the situation.
One of the key strategies moving forward is the need for early intervention. Schools, colleges, and workplaces are being encouraged to promote mental health awareness and provide support systems for those showing signs of distress. Educating people about the warning signs of suicide and encouraging open conversations about mental health could save lives by creating environments where individuals feel safe seeking help.
In addition to education and awareness, improving access to mental health services is crucial. Mizoram’s government has recognized the need for more trained mental health professionals and the expansion of counseling services in both rural and urban areas. By offering easily accessible resources, individuals who may be struggling with their mental health could receive the support they need before reaching a breaking point.
As Mizoram continues to grapple with the growing suicide crisis, the data presented during World Suicide Prevention Day serves as a stark reminder that the mental health of young adults must be prioritized. Through continued efforts in raising awareness, providing support, and addressing underlying societal issues, there is hope that the numbers of suicides can be reduced in the years to come.