Roadmap for Answer Writing
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Introduction
- Briefly state the issue: suicide as a leading cause of death among individuals aged 15-29 in India.
- Mention the increase in suicide rates, citing the NCRB data.
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Reasons for Rising Suicides
- Family Problems
- Discuss how family issues contribute to emotional distress.
- Fact: Family problems account for nearly one-third of suicide cases (Source: NCRB).
- Economic and Professional Discontent
- Explain the impact of financial instability and dissatisfaction with job status.
- Fact: 63.3% of suicides occur among those earning less than Rs. 1 lakh per annum (Source: Health Ministry).
- Illness
- Highlight the role of lack of medical access and mental health issues.
- Fact: Mental health conditions worsened post-COVID-19, contributing to suicide rates (Source: Ministry of Health).
- Unemployment
- Discuss the high unemployment rate and its effects on youth mental health.
- Fact: The unemployment rate in India is around 8% (Source: Government Reports).
- Substance Abuse
- Mention the prevalence of substance use disorders among the youth.
- Fact: Over 22% of adults suffer from substance use disorders (Source: National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16).
- Family Problems
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National Suicide Prevention Strategy
- Overview of Strategy
- State the goal to reduce suicide mortality by 10% by 2030.
- Key Focus Areas
- Surveillance Mechanisms
- Aim to establish effective surveillance within three years.
- Psychiatric Services
- Plans to implement outpatient departments in all districts within five years.
- Mental Well-Being Curriculum
- Integrate mental health education in schools over eight years.
- Reducing Access to Means
- Phase out hazardous pesticides to limit means of suicide.
- Stigma Reduction
- Develop media guidelines for responsible reporting on suicides.
- Data Collection
- Strengthen data collection on suicides and attempts to inform better prevention strategies.
- Surveillance Mechanisms
- Overview of Strategy
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Conclusion
- Summarize the importance of addressing youth suicides and the role of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy.
- Emphasize the need for collaborative efforts from government and society to create a supportive environment.
Relevant Facts for Use in the Answer
- NCRB reported 164,033 suicides in India in 2021, a 7.2% increase from the previous year.
- Family issues are linked to one-third of suicide cases (Source: NCRB).
- 63.3% of suicides occur among individuals earning less than Rs. 1 lakh per annum (Source: Health Ministry).
- Mental health issues have increased due to COVID-19 (Source: Ministry of Health).
- The unemployment rate is around 8% (Source: Government Reports).
- Over 22% of adults suffer from substance use disorders (Source: National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16).
This roadmap provides a clear structure for addressing the question while incorporating relevant facts and sources to support the discussion.
Model Answer
Introduction
In India, suicide has become the leading cause of death among individuals aged 15-29, with the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reporting 164,033 suicides in 2021, a 7.2% increase from the previous year.
Reasons for Rising Suicides
National Suicide Prevention Strategy
Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, aiming to reduce suicide mortality by 10% by 2030. Key focus areas include:
Conclusion
The successful implementation of this strategy requires sustained commitment from both central and state governments, aiming to inspire hope and create a supportive environment for mental health.