Suicide, Attempted Suicide & Suicide Prevention

Abstract

Background: Suicide is a preventable event, although its occurrence is sometimes unpredictable. It is a major public health problem and ranks among the ten leading causes of death worldwide, with more than one million deaths annually. Suicidal behaviour includes suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and completed suicide.

Overview: The editorial discusses the multifactorial causes of suicide, including biological, psychological, social, spiritual, economic, and cultural factors. It highlights regional differences in suicide patterns in India, particularly the high burden in South India and Kerala, and emphasizes that while mental illnesses such as depression, alcohol dependence, and substance abuse are major contributors, socioeconomic stressors also play a significant role. The article reviews evidence-based suicide prevention strategies, including early detection and treatment of mental disorders, public awareness campaigns, community gatekeeper training, crisis intervention centres, suicide prevention clinics, telephone helplines, responsible media reporting, and population-based mental health interventions. The author stresses that effective suicide prevention requires coordinated efforts from healthcare professionals, governments, educators, community organizations, religious leaders, the media, and society as a whole.