Suicide prevention is a serious issue that has been studied by health experts for many years. However, experts now believe that the current way of dealing with this problem is not enough. A major study (a six-part series called “A Public Health Approach to Suicide Prevention”), published in The Lancet Public Health, suggests that we need to look at the bigger picture when trying to prevent suicides. It’s not just about individual problems like mental health or drug use; it’s also about the impact of larger issues like money, healthcare, and the influence of industries such as alcohol or firearms.
India’s National Suicide Prevention Strategy, introduced in 2022, has three main goals: keeping track of suicide cases, providing mental health services in hospitals, and teaching students about mental health. While this is important, the study says we should also focus on social issues like poverty, homelessness, and unfair economic policies. For example, in the US, researchers found that increasing the minimum wage by just one dollar saved 8,000 lives a year. The lesson here is that suicide prevention isn’t just about helping individuals but improving society as a whole.
Alarming numbers
According to the report titled “Student suicides: An epidemic sweeping India”, based on NCRB data and released at the Annual IC3 Conference and Expo 2024 by the IC3 Institute, the student suicide rate in India has been increasing at an alarming 4% annually, surpassing the overall suicide rate increase of 2%. In 2022, 53% of student suicides were male. Between 2021 and 2022, male student suicides decreased by 6%, while female student suicides rose by 7%.
Over the last decade, student suicides surged from 6,654 to 13,044, even as the population of 0-24-year-olds declined slightly from 582 million to 581 million. Over the same period, male suicides increased by 50%, and female suicides saw an even sharper rise of 61%.
Additionally, both genders have experienced a 5% annual increase in suicides over the past five years, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced mental health support and better understanding of student pressures. A recent survey conducted by “Mpower”, part of the Aditya Birla Education Trust, across 30 colleges in India revealed some troubling statistics about youth mental health. The survey found that 69% of students are unable to recognize suicide warning signs, while 58.4% identified academic pressure as a major source of distress.
Despite these alarming figures, only 2% of students would turn to a counsellor or professor for help, while 58% would prefer to confide in friends. Additionally, 67.3% of students reported feeling hopeless at some point, but only 15% have sought professional assistance.
The Lancet Approach
The Lancet Public Health’s six-part series titled “A Public Health Approach to Suicide Prevention” offers a comprehensive examination of suicide as a public health crisis, advocating for a multidimensional approach to prevention. The articles draw on global data, case studies, and expert opinions to provide a holistic understanding of the complexities surrounding suicide.
The first article delves into the global burden of suicide, presenting alarming statistics that highlight its prevalence. It discusses the demographic factors associated with suicide, including age, gender, and socioeconomic status.
The second focuses on identifying key risk and protective factors influencing suicidal behaviour such as mental health disorders, substance abuse, trauma, and social isolation. protective factors like community support, access to mental health care, and strong family connections are also discussed.
The third article presents a range of evidence-based interventions like training for community members, crisis intervention programs, and public awareness campaigns.
The fourth discusses the critical role of healthcare systems in suicide prevention. It calls for integrating mental health services into primary care settings and training healthcare providers to recognize and respond to suicidal ideation.
The fifth advocates for comprehensive policy frameworks like the need for governmental commitment and cross-sector collaboration to implement effective strategies. Legal frameworks, funding for mental health services, and public health campaigns are its key components.
The sixth and final article underscores the significance of community engagement in suicide prevention efforts.
The Islamic Approach
At the heart of the Islamic approach towards suicide is the belief that life is a sacred gift from God. The Quran emphasizes the value of human life, stating, “You shall not kill yourselves. Surely Allah is ever Compassionate to you.” (Quran 4:29). This verse, among others, highlights that taking one’s own life is considered a grave sin and is viewed as an act of despair against Allah’s mercy and wisdom.
In a Hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim), the Prophet Muhammad ﷺsaid, “Whoever throws himself down from a mountain and kills himself will be in the Fire of Hell, throwing himself down therein for ever and ever. Whoever takes poison and kills himself, his poison will be in his hand and he will be sipping it in the Fire of Hell for ever and ever. Whoever kills himself with a piece of iron, that piece of iron will be in his hand and he will be stabbing himself in the stomach with it in the Fire of Hell, forever and ever.”
The root cause of suicide is not materialistic, but spiritual. Suicide is mostly linked to depression, leaving individuals with a feeling of helplessness and worthlessness. Since this problem stems from the mind and heart, it cannot be solved with physical interventions like medicines or surgery. Rather, what is needed are thoughts that uplift the heart towards positivity and hopefulness. Faith in Allah provides that hope and thoughts like “life is worth living”.
Not surprising that suicide rates are lower among Muslims than other religious groups. This lower rate can be attributed to Islam’s strong sense of imparting a purpose to life, filling the void that other people experience. Islam discourages engaging in mindless competition in the materialistic world.
The concept of sustenance in Islam teaches that one will receive what has been decreed by Allah, relieving people from unnecessary anxiety. The belief that Allah loves His creation more than their own mothers instils hope and comfort, allowing them to find peace even in challenging circumstances.
Islam teaches that life is a test, filled with trials and tribulations. Believers are encouraged to seek the help of Allah through prayer and patience (sabr). These two provide the strength needed to stay on God’s chosen path. The term ‘sabr’ refers to the willpower, strong determination, and control over base desires that allow a person to progress along the path they have chosen, despite internal temptations and external challenges. Hence, a “Sabir” (person endued with sabr) can never contemplate suicide, and that is what we should all endeavour to become.