Nagaland emerges as the second least suicide state in the country with 0.9 per cent cases (21 suicides) in 2015 behind Bihar with 0.5 per cent.
A report published by National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB), however, said there was an increase in the number of suicides compared to 2014, which recorded only 13 cases. In the Northeast, the NCRB recorded 12,801 cases from 2001 to 2012, with men showing more suicidal tendencies than women.
Assistant professor of psychology and counselling department, St Joseph’s University, Dimapur, Ruovizokhonuo presented this data while addressing a seminar on “Awareness about suicide and prevention” commemorating the World Suicide Prevention Week. The programme was organised by the department of psychology and counselling of St Joseph’s University.
Referring to World Health Organisation (WHO) 2016 research, Ruovizokhonuo said two out of every three people in India are depressed with the rate of suicide cases among the males being higher. Maharashtra recorded the highest suicide cases with 16,307 followed by Tamil Nadu with 16,122, West Bengal with 14,310, Karnataka with 10,945 and Telengana with 9,623, the WHO research found.
Vice-chancellor of the university Dr D Gnanadurai pointed out that even though some people are highly intelligent and qualified, the question of ‘how strong’ a person’s mind remains. He emphasised emotional intelligence which if not managed properly will lead to death of a person. Emotional intelligence was a drawback to human beings and this needs to be managed well, Gnanadurai said.
Speaking on the topic “Signs and symptoms,” assistant professor of the university Vetalia said those who go through emotional pain and untreated mental disorders are at risk.
Assistant professor Beni Seb said stressful life events which may be due to loss, abuse, and chronic physical illness drive a person to commit suicide. According to Lancet Psychiatry 2015 journal, unemployment accounted for 45,000 suicides in a year including workplace stress such as job strain and occupational uncertainty, Seb stated.
Inter-personal relationships that include family factors, romantic relationship and conflict in romantic relationships contribute significantly towards suicidal behaviour as per Aspalan 2003 research, he said.