For two decades, suicide has tragically remained among the top two causes of death for young Indians, casting a long shadow over the nation's demographic dividend. This persistent crisis demands urgent attention and a multi-faceted approach to understand and address the underlying issues. Data reveals a concerning trend: India's suicide rate has been growing at an unprecedented rate, unseen in the last six decades. In 2022, the National Crimes Record Bureau (NCRB) reported a staggering 1.71 lakh deaths by suicide, with approximately 40% of these occurring among children and young people. Around 10,000 individuals below the age of 18 lost their lives to suicide in the same year. The most vulnerable age group appears to be between 18 and 29 years, accounting for a substantial 34.6% of all suicides.

Several interconnected factors contribute to this distressing reality. Academic pressure, particularly in competitive environments like Kota's coaching centers, plays a significant role. Stories of tragic deaths by suicide among students in these hubs have become increasingly common, highlighting the immense stress and pressure faced by young aspirants. A survey in IITs found that 61% of students cited academic stress as the main trigger for suicidal thoughts. The number of suicides among students saw a drastic rise of 21% between 2019 and 2020, and a further 4.5% from 2020 to 2021, painting a grim picture that extends beyond specific coaching cultures.

Family dynamics also exert a powerful influence. Conflict and marital discord among parents, neglect, abuse, and poor parental mental health can significantly impact a young person's well-being. Generational divides, characterized by constant struggles for autonomy in decisions regarding education, careers, and relationships, contribute to feelings of being misunderstood and isolated. Over 30% of the approximately 69,000 cases of suicides among young people (18-30 and below 18 years) in 2022 cited family problems as the cause of death.

The digital age presents its own set of challenges. The proliferation of smartphones and internet use has led to cyberbullying, digital addiction, misinformation, and harmful portrayals of mental health and suicide in the media, all of which can contribute to distress and unsafe behavior among young people. Social media can exacerbate feelings of emotional distance and increase the risk of negative experiences like cyberbullying and online victimization.

Socio-economic factors further compound the problem. Lack of support within educational and workplace settings, especially for those from marginalized backgrounds, contributes to mental health challenges. Experiences of institutional discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, and sexual orientation can intensify feelings of hopelessness. Unemployment and job market instability also worsen anxiety, with a significant percentage of youth under 25 remaining unemployed.

It's important to note the gendered dimensions of this crisis. While more men generally die by suicide in India, data reveals a skew within the younger age group, where a higher percentage of suicide deaths are reported among girls and young women. Furthermore, suicides among young women have been increasing at a higher rate than among young men, possibly due to factors like societal norms, domestic violence, limited opportunities, and sustained patriarchy.

Addressing this complex issue requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach. It involves creating supportive environments in schools and workplaces, promoting open communication within families, addressing the negative impacts of social media, and tackling systemic discrimination. Increased awareness, destigmatization of mental health issues, and accessible mental health services are crucial steps. The Indian government has rolled out a National Strategy for Suicide Prevention in 2022, but more needs to be done to counter the effects of social media and other contributing factors. By understanding the multifaceted drivers of youth suicide and implementing targeted interventions, India can strive to protect its young population and ensure a brighter future for generations to come.