Sikkim: 19 Suicides in 13 Days : Concerned, Health Minister Dhungel Shares Helpline Numbers
First Published: 21st February, 2025 10:58 IST
According to police reports, the cases involve individuals from different age brackets, each facing unique challenges.
Alarmed by the sudden spike in suicide cases in the state, Sikkim Health and Family Welfare Minister G T Dhungel has urged anyone experiencing stress or anxiety to seek help and reach out to trained counsellors.
The Minister shared the toll-free 24×7 mental health support numbers 14416 and 1-800-891-4416 of MANAS for assistance.
This comes in the backdrop of Sikkim registering 19 suicides cases in just two weeks from February 7-19.
The victims, from different age groups and backgrounds, included students, working professionals, and elderly individuals.
According to police reports, the cases involve individuals from different age brackets, each facing unique challenges.
While investigations are underway, preliminary findings indicate that depression, financial struggles, family problems, and social isolation may have played significant roles in these deaths.
Mental health professionals have pointed out multiple underlying reasons that could be contributing to the rise in suicides:
1.Depression and anxiety : Many victims were reportedly struggling with mental health issues but lacked access to psychological support and counselling.
2.Academic pressure: The suicide of a Class X student before board exams underscores the immense stress students face, raising concerns about the need for mental health awareness in schools.
3.Financial distress: Some victims, including small business owners and daily wage earners, were reportedly facing severe economic pressure, leading to despair.
4.Family and relationship issues: A few victims were living alone, dealing with marital separation, or experiencing personal conflicts that may have led to their decision.
5.Substance abuse: Several cases involved individuals with a history of alcoholism, which might have worsened their emotional struggles.
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