Highlights According to the latest data released by the National Crime Records Bureau, 139,123 people died by #suicide in 2019 What raises an alarm is that there is an increase of 3.4 per cent in the number of people who died by #suicide between 2018 and 2019 #Mentalillness is emerging as one of the major reasons driving suicides in the country, however, it still finds no mention in the NCRB data
The discussion around #mentalillness is quite new among the masses of the country. However, an actor’s #suicide and the #coronavirus #pandemic has forced the #mentalhealth discourse into daily lives of people.
While there is a lot that needs to be understood about #mentalillness, Indians, particularly the middle class, are finally waking up to the concept of #mentalhealth.
According to the latest data released by the National Crime Records Bureau, 139,123 people died by #suicide in 2019.
In 2019, one in every three of the 1,40,000 people who died of #suicide in 2019 took the step due to family problems. Illness and substance abuse were the other major known causes of #suicide, together accounting for 23 per cent, according to a report by Hindustan Times.
Representational Image
Bankruptcy or indebtedness, unemployment and poverty led to at least 11,500 suicides, about 8.2 per cent of all such fatalities.
Unemployment comprise 2 per cent of the total suicides. Suicides among daily wage earners was higher — about 32,500.
Farmers comprise 7.4 per cent of all people who died due to #suicide in India.
Yet no mention of #mentalillness
#Mentalillness is emerging as one of the major reasons driving suicides in the country, however, it still finds no mention in the NCRB data.
The #WorldHealthOrganisation has dubbed India as the most depressed country in the world, ahead of China and the US.
#Depression and bad #mentalhealth have been ignored as a serious issue since ages.
A 2018 study reported in WHO, conducted for the NCMH (National Care Of Medical Health), states that at least 6.5 per cent of the Indian population suffers from some form of the serious #mentaldisorder, with no discernible rural-urban differences.
According to a WHO report published in 2019, India has much higher #suicide rate than global estimates with 17.8 suicides per 1,00,000 people in 2016 over 10.5 global #suicide rate.
India’s NCRB data still does not focus on the rising causes of #mentalillness and eventual suicides which only reflects the negligence towards #mentalillness in the country.
#JamesDonaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
If you know anyone battling with #depression or other #mentalhealthissues, please reach out to someone who can help. AASRA Foundation: 022 2754 6669 Samaritans Mumbai: +91 84229 84528 / +91 84229 84529 / +91 84229 84530 Sanjivini Society for #MentalHealth: +911124311918
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
