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Kerala’s Silent Crisis: Unpacking the Surge in Suicide Cases

Why more lives are being lost
Suicide rates in Kerala are among the highest in India, reflecting a growing mental health crisis that requires urgent awareness, online counselling and prevention at oppam. The rising suicide rate is one of the biggest social issues Kerala faces today. A person may die by suicide due to life circumstances or because they lose the mental health required to make rational decisions and face life’s challenges. Often, these two factors coexist and are interconnected. Therefore, spreading proper awareness in this area is essential.
Seeking professional help and undergoing necessary malayalam counseling and therapy are the most important steps to address and combat suicide. Additionally, only through collective efforts and interventions can this issue be effectively addressed and tackled.

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Understanding Suicide in Kerala

Suicidal tendencies refer to the mental state that consciously drives a person to end their own life.
  • According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau, the suicide rate in Kerala in 2013 was estimated at 24.6 per 100,000 people. This is nearly double the national average suicide rate in India. For the past decade, Kerala has consistently ranked as the state with the highest suicide rates in the country. 
  • Based on the statistics, in 2006, the majority of suicides in Kerala were reported among homemakers, farmers, and the unemployed. It is generally estimated that the number of suicide attempts is roughly ten times higher than the number of completed suicides.
  • Over the past few years, an analysis of statistics shows that Kerala continues to remain at the forefront when it comes to suicide rates. Rather than a significant decline, the numbers have been steadily increasing. According to the National Crime Records Bureau’s 2022 report, Kerala ranks fourth in India for its suicide rate.
  • According to Kerala State Crime Records Bureau data, the number of suicides in Kerala was 8,646 in 2013, which increased to 10,972 by 2023, showing a significant rise over the years. 
  • A study conducted by the Office of the Department of Economics and Statistics in Ernakulam district revealed that between 2020 and 2023, 79% of suicides in Kerala were committed by men, while women accounted for 21%. 
  • The data also indicated that suicide rates were higher among employed individuals compared to unemployed ones. Additionally, several statistics highlight that men have a significantly higher suicide rate than women in Kerala.
The number of suicides in the last ten years in Kerala.
Suicide rate in last ten years in Kerala (in Lakhs)
Suicide rate in last ten years in Kerala (in Lakhs) | Suicides in kerala
The tendency to trivialize suicide or joke about it still exists in society today. There are numerous misconceptions surrounding suicide within the realm of mental health. Instead of treating this highly sensitive issue with the seriousness it deserves, interactions often fail to grasp the gravity of the problem.
Providing proper support and professional help can make a significant difference in addressing such situations.Often, individuals who are considering suicide will give signs or openly talk about their mental struggles, saying things like, “I feel like dying.” However, these remarks are frequently dismissed as jokes, with responses like, “They’re not serious,” or “They don’t have the guts to do it.”

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In such instances, the best approach is to guide them toward a psychologist or counselor. Professional help is crucial in these situations to provide the necessary care and intervention. Online counselling in malayalam
Misconceptions Facts
People who say they will commit suicide never actually do it.
Most people who die by suicide have previously given warning signs or hints about their intentions.
Only those who are completely determined to die go through with suicide.
Suicide is often not a firm decision; many individuals go back and forth on whether they want to live or die.
Not all suicides can be prevented.
In most cases, there are clear signs or signals leading up to the act.
Someone who has attempted suicide once will not try it again.
While it’s true that not every case can be prevented, many suicides can be stopped with timely intervention.
Many people who attempt suicide once are likely to try again.

Family Conflicts and Issues: A Major Contributor to Suicide Rates in Kerala

Family struggles and troubled relationships are highlighted as significant factors contributing to suicides in Kerala.
  • A study based on suicide data from the State Crime Records Bureau between 1996 and 2021 revealed a total of 228,566 suicides during this period. 
  • Of these, approximately 34% were attributed to family problems, and 26% were linked to illness. Interpersonal relationship challenges and health-related issues are identified as major reasons for suicides in the state. 
  • The study also indicates that out of the 228,566 suicides, 73.7% involved men, while 26.3% were women.
Family Conflicts and Issues: A Major Contributor to Suicide Rates in Kerala | suicides in Kerala
  • Many mental illnesses can lead individuals to consider suicide. Suicidal tendencies are often seen as symptoms of conditions like depression and schizophrenia. 
  • In such situations, approaching a therapist who speaks your language can help you express your problems clearly and bring about better outcomes. 
Seeking therapy sessions with Malayalam-speaking therapists for depression or psychologists for other mental health challenges can play a significant role in improving mental health and, in turn, reducing suicidal tendencies.

Signs that indicate suicidal tendencies in a person.

Signs of suicidal tendencies in a person, as mentioned earlier, often include subtle or direct indications that they are considering suicide. If someone has been showing changes in their behavior or personality over the past few days, or appears to be troubled by some kind of distress, initiating an open conversation with them is the best step you can take. Online counselling in kerala
Along with this, ensuring they receive the necessary professional help, such as counseling or psychological support, is essential for improving their mental health and addressing the underlying issues effectively. Oppam #1 Malayali Psychologists for you!
  1. A recent suicide attempt.
  2. Frequently saying things like, “I’m tired of life,” “Why live like this?” or “It’s better to just die.”
  3. Complaining about being troubled by suicidal thoughts.
  4. Engaging in risky or unnecessary activities with a high likelihood of death, deliberately or knowingly.
  5. Feelings of Hopelessness: Expressing feelings of despair, worthlessness, or believing there’s no way to improve their situation.
  6. Withdrawal from Others: Isolating themselves from family, friends, and social activities they once enjoyed.
  7. Increased Substance Use: Turning to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with emotional pain.
  8. Loss of Interest: Losing interest in hobbies, work, or activities they previously cared about.
  9. Expressing Guilt or Shame: Constantly voicing feelings of guilt, shame, or self-hatred.
  10. Recent Trauma or Loss: Experiencing a significant life event, such as the death of a loved one, a breakup, or job loss, which may trigger suicidal thoughts.
If someone exhibits these signs, it’s important to take them seriously and encourage them to seek professional help. Listening without judgment and offering support can make a significant difference. How to choose a psychologist online Kerala

Reasons for suicide

The reasons for suicide can vary from person to person. However, it is crucial to understand the mental state that drives someone toward such a decision and provide them with the necessary support. Best Malayali Psychologist
for Suicidal Tendencies. Encouraging open conversations about their problems and seeking counseling or therapy to improve their mental well-being are essential steps.
If psychologists who understand your issues in your own language are available, it becomes easier to connect with them and openly discuss your struggles. Reaching out to Malayalam-speaking therapists and psychologists can be a helpful approach in such situations.
  1. Mental Health Disorders: Conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric illnesses can significantly impact a person’s emotional well-being and lead to suicidal thoughts.
  2. Trauma or Abuse: Experiencing physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, as well as exposure to traumatic events, can deeply affect individuals and increase the risk of suicide.
  3. Relationship Problems: Breakups, divorce, conflicts within relationships, or feelings of rejection can contribute to feelings of hopelessness and despair.
  4. Financial Stress: Economic hardships, unemployment, or overwhelming debt can create intense pressure and feelings of helplessness.
  5. Chronic Physical Illness: Living with chronic pain, terminal illness, or other debilitating health conditions may lead some individuals to feel that life is unbearable.
  6. Substance Abuse: Addiction to drugs or alcohol can impair judgment, amplify emotions of sadness or hopelessness, and increase the likelihood of suicidal behavior.
  7. Social Isolation: Loneliness, lack of social connections, or feelings of being disconnected from society can lead to a sense of emptiness and despair.
  8. Loss or Grief: The death of a loved one or experiencing significant personal loss can trigger intense emotional pain and contribute to suicidal thoughts.
  9. Bullying or Harassment: Persistent bullying, cyberbullying, or harassment can deeply affect self-esteem and mental health, especially among young people.
  10. Hopelessness: A pervasive sense of hopelessness about the future or an inability to see a way out of current struggles can be a major factor.
  11. Pressure and Expectations: Excessive pressure to meet societal, academic, or professional expectations can overwhelm individuals, particularly students and young professionals.
  12. Cultural or Social Factors: Certain societal norms, stigma around mental health, or lack of access to support systems can exacerbate feelings of isolation or despair.

It’s important to note that suicide is a complex issue often influenced by a combination of factors. Common signs and symptoms for Suicidal Tendencies. Professional intervention, support, and open communication can help individuals navigate these challenges and find hope.

How Malayalam Counseling Sessions Can Help

How Malayalam Counseling Sessions Can Help | Why counselling
Malayalam therapy sessions and Malayalam-speaking psychologists are highly effective in supporting Malayalis facing suicidal tendencies. 
  • Communicating in one’s native language allows individuals to express their emotions more comfortably and authentically, fostering trust and openness. 
  • These therapists understand the cultural and societal factors unique to Kerala, such as family dynamics and stigma around mental health, making their approach more relatable and impactful. 
  • Tailored therapies, like CBT or counseling, help address underlying issues such as depression or anxiety, providing coping strategies to reduce suicidal thoughts. 
  • Accessibility through online platforms further ensures that individuals can seek help privately and conveniently. 
Overall, this culturally sensitive and personalized support has proven to be transformative for many Malayalis struggling with mental health challenges.
Remember, your life is incredibly valuable. The right approach is to tackle the challenges in life and move forward. It’s natural to experience suicidal tendencies or the urge to withdraw from everything during tough times. However, by seeking therapy and counseling, and with the help of an expert psychologist, you can work on improving your mental health and reclaiming your life while adopting a more positive outlook.

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