Why suicide cases are increasing rapidly in Nepal ?

A few days ago I was crossing the village all of a sudden I saw a huge crowd with police gathered outside the courtyard of a house. I also moved into that crowd and asked one of the people in that crowd why many people’s are there, a bit slowly one of the people replied an old man has committed   suicide  by hanging on fan . He added   he had earlier gone to the jungle and brought some of the grass for the goats, and bought some meat from for morning lunch .After that he went to room and hanged on the fan and committed suicide. .After listening that I turned back from that place with  many questions in my mind ,how an elderly person also commits suicide, this incident makes me write this article today. In this article, we will delve into some of the key factors that may be driving the alarming rise in suicide cases in recent times.

Suicide is a deeply tragic and complex issue that affects individuals and communities worldwide. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of suicides reported worldwide. years, the world has witnessed a troubling rise in suicide rates, causing concern among researchers, mental health professionals, and society at large. Understanding the underlying factors contributing to this increase is crucial in developing effective strategies to prevent these tragic outcomes.

More than 4% of Nepal's 29 million people are estimated to be currently experiencing mental disorder, with additional 5.2% of 13-18-year-olds. The situation has worsened after COVID 19. Mental health hospitals and services are concentrated in the urban areas, with 0.22 psychiatrists and 0.06 psychologists per  one hundred thousand  population. In Nepal, according to data provided by the police, over 19 people per day ,7141 people in a year commit suicide throughout the country in the last fiscal year. The number was 6,252 in the fiscal year 2019-2020.

 

One of the primary reasons behind the escalating suicide rates is the prevalence of mental health challenges. Disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse have become more prevalent in our society, and if left unaddressed, they can significantly increase the risk of suicide. Societal pressures, economic uncertainties, and the impact of the ongoing global pandemic have exacerbated these issues, further straining mental well-being. Mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and untreated psychiatric disorders, are often linked to suicide. Inadequate access to mental health services, social stigma, and cultural barriers may prevent individuals from seeking help.

The rise of digital communication platforms and social media has paradoxically contributed to increased social isolation and loneliness. Despite the illusion of connectivity, many individuals experience feelings of isolation and disconnection from real-world relationships. Studies have shown that social isolation and loneliness can significantly impact mental health and increase the risk of suicide.

 Societal expectations, particularly in relation to family, marriage, and social status, can impose significant stress on individuals. Traditional norms, cultural values, and gender roles may influence the level of pressure faced by different segments of the population.Economic hardships, poverty, unemployment, and financial stress can contribute to feelings of hopelessness and despair, increasing the risk of suicide. Inequities in wealth distribution and lack of opportunities may exacerbate these challenges. Insufficient mental health resources and services pose a significant challenge in addressing the increasing suicide rates. A shortage of mental health professionals, long waiting lists, high treatment costs, and limited accessibility to quality care can deter individuals from seeking help when they need it most. The lack of adequate resources contributes to the overall burden faced by those struggling with mental health issues.

 

It is important to recognize that these factors interact in complex ways, and the causes of suicide are multifaceted. Addressing suicide prevention in Nepal requires a holistic approach, including improvement of mental health services, community support networks, awareness campaigns and targeted interventions to address the particular challenges faced by the various population groups.