Ranchi: Mental health professionals in Jharkhand have called for stronger family, institutional and community support systems to identify psychological distress early, with National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for the period from 2019 to 2024 showing the state recorded 11,794 suicide deaths over six years.The state reported 1,646 suicide deaths in 2019, which rose to 1,991 in 2024. Its suicide rate increased from 4.4 to 5 per 1 lakh population, indicating a gradual rise in the burden of suicide despite year-to-year fluctuations. The 2024 figure was marginally lower than the 2,006 deaths reported in 2023.The highest number during the period was recorded in 2022, when Jharkhand reported 2,181 suicide deaths. The state had reported 2,145 such deaths in 2020 and 1,825 in 2021, NCRB figures showed.Experts and mental health professionals, on the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day, said early identification of people showing psychological distress, easier access to mental health services and stronger community-level support systems are essential to prevent suicides. They said families and institutions must be alert to behavioural changes, withdrawal and expressions of hopelessness, especially among people facing criticism, setbacks or social isolation.Dr Sanjay Munda, professor at Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP), said, “Many of them also feel isolated from their family and society and may develop a sense of worthlessness. As a society, we must create an environment where people can openly share what they are going through with their family members or mental health experts without fear of stigma,” Munda said.Dr Harshita Biswas, clinical psychologist at Tata Main Hospital in Jamshedpur, said, “Families, workplaces and communities must foster open conversations around mental health, recognise warning signs and encourage people to seek help without fear of stigma,” Biswas said.She added that strong social connections, healthy coping mechanisms, purpose, resilience and timely professional support can help people navigate overwhelming distress.
