'Suicidal tendencies highest among people aged 20-34'

Work pressure and relationship crises are pushing youngsters over the edge. Suicidal tendencies are the highest among people in the age group of 20 and 34, especially among women, shows a study released by 1to1 helpnet, a City-based private counselling firm working with over 100 corporate companies. 

The study has been released ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10). The analysis was done taking into count 51,300 white-collar employees working in corporate companies across 30 cities in the past six years. It was found that 1,700 people had suicidal thoughts owing to marital and relationship issues apart from work-related issues. 1To1 helpnet intervened in these cases, preventing suicide.

According to Karuna Baskar, Director, 1to1 helpnet, “In many cases the current generation is brought up in very protective environment. They lack exposure to the harsh realities of life. They lack independent thinking and decision-making skills and have little or no life skill training. They may have also hitherto had restricted opportunity for relationships, and so are unprepared for the type of situations they are exposed to in the world of work. Hence, there are more problems in terms of compatibility, adaptability and facing reality.”

While the firm counsels a minimum of 3 to 5 people who have suicidal thoughts every day, the study has revealed that there is very minimal community support for suicide prevention.

Speaking to mediapersons, Baskar said the MNCs were found to be more pro-active in setting up mental health support system to employees owing to their global exposure. These days, it was not just global companies, even Indian companies and start ups are also coming forward in ensuring that their staff has access to mental health care.

When you see a colleague in despair do not ignore it, counsellors from 1to1 said. They said anyone expressing suicidal feelings needs immediate attention. The warning signs are plenty:  A suicidal person may talk about committing suicide, have trouble eating or sleeping, experience drastic changes in behaviour, withdrawal from friends and social activities, lose interest in hobbies, etc.