The National Crime Record Bureau’s annual data for the year 2013 shows that suicide cases have seen a steep rise of 36.6 per cent in Chandigarh as compared to the last published data. Family Problems, accounts for a large number of these cases, as per the figures.
Sukhna lake which is considered to be the lungs of the city, where people go to take a break from the usual din of the city has turned out to be the most preferred suicide destination.
The data also revealed that most people who committed suicide were below the age of 30 and the numbers of those in the age group of 15-29 was quite high. According to the recently published report Chandigarh ranks fourth among Union Territories when it comes to suicide.
Males were more prone to suicide with 59 mortalities due to suicide as compared to females numbering 38 in the year 2013. The report said 97 people killed themselves in 2013 as compared to 71 in 2012, the rise being 36.6 per cent.
Out of these 97 cases, 47 committed suicide in face of family troubles and 20 due to failed love affair. Issues like unemployment and poor examination results, which are thought to be more prominent reasons behind suicidal deaths has taken a back seat.
Dr Sumeet Inder, a private psychiatrist in Chandigarh said family problems are one of the major causes of suicide. “There has been a rise in the family problems due to a change in lifestyle of the people. Trend of nuclear family has increased the level of stress as there is no family support for the person in distress. Younger people these days undergo a lot of stress if they fail to achieve their objectives,” he said.
The psychiatrist also stressed on the importance of helplines, observing there were few helpli-nes in the city. “Helplines can offer mental support and help the individual stop from taking the extreme step,” he said.