WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY: LIGHTING THE LAMP OF HOPE BEYOND DESPAIR, PREVENTING SUICIDE TOGETHER
New Delhi, Sep 10, 2025 : World Suicide Prevention Day is being observed today. It is observed globally every year on September 10 to raise awareness, promote compassion and encourage collective action to prevent suicide.
What is World Suicide Prevention Day?
World Suicide Prevention Day was started in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) with the co-sponsorship of the World Health Organization (WHO). The day unites governments, organizations and the public with a single message – suicide is preventable. The triennial theme of World Suicide Prevention Day (2024-2026) is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”. The theme calls on all of us to challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma and promote open and cordial conversations about suicide.
this day is important
The day is very important because each year, more than 727,000 people die by suicide globally (2021 figures), and for every death, an estimated 20 suicide attempts are made. In 2021, suicide was the third leading cause of death among people aged 15-29 years globally, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive intervention strategies.
Causes of suicide in India-prevalence, trends and key demographics
In fact, India accounts for one-third of the total suicides worldwide in a year by women and nearly a quarter by men. On an average, more than 100,000 people in India lose their lives by suicide every year. The main reasons for this are-
Gender distribution
Men - 72.5% of all suicides
Women - 27.4% of all suicides
Men commit suicide approximately three times more often than women.
Age demographics
The highest share of suicides (34.5%) is in the age group of 18-30 years.
The 30-45 years age group is second with 31.7%. Overall, the 18-45 years age group contributes 66% of total suicides in India.
Leading causes of suicide (overall)
Family problems – 31.7%
Illness – 18.4%
Drug abuse/alcohol addiction – 6.9%
Marriage problems – 4.8%
Love affair – 4.6%
Bankruptcy/Indebtedness – 3.3%
Unemployment – 2.6%
Overall prevalence – India has seen a steady increase in suicides from 9.9 per lakh population in 2017 to 12.4 per lakh population in 2022, according to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data.
The government is taking several initiatives to prevent suicide
Notably, India is taking several initiatives for suicide prevention. The National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS), launched in 2022, aims to reduce suicide deaths by 10% by 2030. To increase reach, the Tele-Mental Helpline is now operational with 53 centres in 36 states and union territories, handling over one million calls. The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) provides crisis care at the community level in 767 districts.
In addition, mental health services have also been integrated into over 1.78 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, as well as capacity strengthening at AIIMS centres of excellence and government medical colleges. For youth, initiatives such as the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), the School Health and Wellness Programme, and Manodarpan provide critical support in schools and communities.
Suicide incidence rates vary across states
Geographic variations - The suicide incidence rate varies across states. While it is 0.6 per 100,000 population in Bihar, it is 43.1 per 100,000 population in Sikkim. In 2022, the southern cities of Vijayawada (42.6 per 100,000 population) and Kollam (42.5 per 100,000 population) recorded the highest suicide rates.
Delhi Metro campaign
Let us tell you, last year, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) launched a special awareness campaign to celebrate World Suicide Prevention Day. The initiative aimed to promote understanding, compassion and support for people struggling with mental health challenges. As part of the campaign, DMRC installed banners and digital displays at major metro stations in Delhi with messages of hope and patience. The awareness campaign also extended to online platforms, with active participation on social media to start a conversation about mental health.
By reaching out to commuters through both visual and digital mediums, this 2024 campaign further strengthens DMRC’s commitment to create a supportive environment and spread awareness about the importance of mental health.
Manodarpan Initiative
Manodarpan is a nationwide initiative launched by the Ministry of Education (formerly MHRD). It was launched under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan' to provide psychological support for the mental health and emotional well-being of students, teachers and families.
The key components of this initiative include-
•Web portal: Resources, FAQs, posters, videos and tips for mental health.
•24×7 Toll-Free Helpline (8448440632): Tele-counselling by trained psychologists.
•Counselor Directory: A national database of counselors in schools, colleges, and universities.
•Publication: 'Handbook of 21st Century Skills' for developing resilience and life skills.
•Interactive platforms : online tools, chatbots and apps for psychological support.
The path of the future
India is taking several initiatives to prevent suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS), launched in 2022, aims to reduce suicide deaths by 10% by 2030. To increase reach, the Tele-Manas helpline is now operational with 53 centres across 36 states and union territories, having handled over one million calls.
The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) provides crisis care at the community level in 767 districts. Mental health services have also been integrated into more than 1.78 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, as well as capacity strengthening in AIIMS centres of excellence and government medical colleges. For youth, initiatives such as the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), School Health and Wellness Programme, and Manodarpan provide critical support in schools and communities.