More Men Commit Suicide Than Women: NCRB Report Highlights Alarming Trends

Deccan Freedom News

December 30

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has revealed in its latest report that men are significantly more prone to suicide than women. The report highlights family problems as the primary cause, with 242,909 men (23.06%) taking their lives due to familial issues between 2015 and 2022. Health-related challenges accounted for 140,441 male suicides (21.05%), followed by drug and alcohol abuse with 60,571 cases. Other causes included financial debt (39,419), love affairs (28,055), and marital problems (26,588).

While men dominate most categories of suicide statistics, the report found that women surpass men in suicides due to marital issues, with 33,480 women (9.66%) compared to 26,588 men (3.28%). Moreover, men were more likely to commit suicide due to academic failures, with 10,532 cases recorded. An alarming 87,101 male suicides were reported with no specific cause.

The report also shed light on the methods used for suicide. Men typically choose quicker and more fatal methods like jumping under trains, shooting themselves, or consuming poison, leading to a higher fatality rate. In contrast, women often choose slower methods, such as consuming sleeping pills, resulting in lower mortality rates. The male suicide rate stands at 14.2 per lakh, while the female rate is significantly lower at 6.6 per lakh.

The NCRB highlighted that between 2015 and 2022, approximately 81,402 (10%) farmers and agricultural laborers also took their lives, emphasizing the persistent distress in the agricultural sector.

The report calls for urgent government intervention to reduce suicide rates through initiatives that enhance mental health support, emotional regulation, and economic stability. It advocates for comprehensive mental health programs, school and workplace awareness campaigns, and the creation of safe community spaces. Additionally, it stresses the importance of immediate support mechanisms, such as help lines, and highlights the media’s critical role in raising awareness and preventing suicides.

The NCRB’s recommendations underscore the necessity of targeted strategies to address socio-economic pressures, unemployment, and mental health challenges to curb this growing crisis.