When life becomes a burden Nearly one million people commit suicide worldwide every year. That is one death every 40 seconds. In the last half a century, suicide rates have increased by 60 per cent. One-tenth of all suicides happen in India. The youths are at the highest risk of suicides. Alarmed at the development, the Union Health Ministry is planning a special suicide prevention programme for counseling the mentally depressed persons from taking the extreme step. Why suicides are on the rise, Deccan Herald examines.
Vibrant Kerala: Suicide's Own Country? From jilted lovers, debt-ridden families, married men and women caught in extramarital flings to gays and schoolchildren, scores of desperate Keralites have found in suicide a convenient 'escape' route.
Stressed City dying young In 2006 National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (Nimhans) released the results of a suicide survey in Bangalore which found that 64 per cent people who ended their lives in 2005 were below 39 years of age. Out of every three cases of suicide reported, one was by a youth in the 15-29 age group.
'Kids need emotional support' "Every child looks for validation or legitimacy of his or her identity. Children are pained if their issues are trivialised. Also, media should highlight alternate forms of resolution and not romanticise suicide," Dr Shekhar Seshadri, Professor of Psychiatry, Nimhans, said.
Will the political turmoil in Pakistan make democracy a distant dream for the people of that nation? How will it impact the peace process and India’s own security? Deccan Herald had invited its readers to send their opinions. Readers assert that democracy cannot prevail in Pakistan when the military is in rule and India will have to step up its security to brave the repercussions. A few optimists however predict that Pakistan will stabilise and India need not fear.
