19 people commit suicide every day in Nepal

A study conducted by Nepal Police shows that on an average 19 people commit suicide every day in Nepal and the main reasons are mental illness and stress. The study showed that 38.80 percent of those who committed suicide had mental disorder and 27.80 percent had mental stress.

The ‘Study on Suicide Reduction and Management 2081’ conducted by the Research, Planning and Development Directorate at the Nepal Police Headquarters pointed out mental problem as the main cause for the high rate of suicide in Nepal and suggested that the state should pay attention to awareness, mental treatment and counseling.

In the financial years 078/79 and 079/80, 13,766 people committed suicide across the country. 8.20 percent had failed in love, 8 percent had financial failure, 7.50 percent had a chronic illness, 4.70 percent had the effects of drug consumption and 2.80 percent had committed suicide due to alcohol. Similarly, the study showed that 0.60 per cent committed suicide due to stress caused by immoral relationships, 0.20 per cent due to unemployment problems and 0.04 per cent due to physical disability. In the last 10 years, suicide cases in Nepal have increased by an average of three percent.

According to the study, 70.9 percent committed suicide inside the home and 19.1 percent outside the home. Most 83.5 percent committed suicide by hanging and 15 percent committed suicide by consuming poison. 1.1 percent commit suicide by jumping, 0.1 percent by setting fire, 0.1 percent by drowning and 0.1 percent by using weapons.

Fifty five percent of those who commit suicide are under the age of 35. People belonging to 15 to 25 years age group has the highest (21 percent) suicide rate. Similarly, 25 to 35 years age group has 18.1 percent and 10 to 18 years age group has 14.9 percent. Provincially, the suicide rate is high in Bagmati. Seven thousand 328 people committed suicide in Bagmati, seven thousand 118 in Koshi, 6 thousand 281 in Lumbini, 4 thousand 607 in Madhesh, 3 thousand 275 in Gandaki, 2 thousand 830 in Far West and 1 thousand 449 in Karnali. The study emphasized on the promotion of mental health, elimination of suicidal delusions, timely recognition of danger signs, training for stress management to reduce suicide.