For more than 8,00,000 people who end their lives each year around the world, pesticide poisoning is the most commonly used method, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said in its recent report.
As the world observes September 10 as Suicide Prevention Day, the WHO has asked the nations to frame an effective, comprehensive multi-sectoral suicide prevention strategy to ensure restricting access to the means of suicide particularly impulsive suicide — as it gives those contemplating suicide more time to reconsider.
Methods of suicide vary significantly from region to region, and pesticide poisoning is most common in rural regions where the chemicals are readily available. Around 30 per cent of the global suicides are due to pesticides self-poisoning.
The other most common methods are hanging and firearms. In India, in 2012, 258,075 people committed suicide with 99,977 women and 158,098 men taking their own lives. India's suicide rate was 21.1 per 1,00,000 people, according to a WHO report.
The WHO notes that for every suicide there are many more people who attempt suicide every year. A prior suicide attempt is the single most important risk factor for suicide in the general population.
What is concerning is that suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds while 75 per cent of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries.
While the link between suicide and mental disorders (in particular, depression and alcohol use disorders) is well established in high-income countries, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship break-up or chronic pain and illness, says the WHO.
In addition, experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse, or loss and a sense of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behaviour. Suicide rates are also high amongst vulnerable groups who experience discrimination, such as refugees and migrants; indigenous peoples; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (lGBTI) persons; and prisoners. By far the strongest risk factor for suicide is a previous suicide attempt.
Reducing access to the means of suicide (e.g. pesticides, firearms, certain medications), reporting by media in a responsible way, introducing alcohol policies to reduce the harmful use of alcohol and early identification, treatment and care of people with mental and substance use disorders, chronic pain and acute emotional distress are some of the preventive measures.