Ranchi: The number of men who died by suicide in Jharkhand was nearly three times higher than that of women in 2024, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2024 report. The state recorded 1,991 suicide deaths last year, a marginal decline from 2,006 in 2023. Of the total deaths, 1,412 were men and 579 were women. The state’s suicide rate, measured per 1 lakh population, stood at 5.
Gender Gap in Suicide Deaths
Mental health experts attributed the disparity to differences in methods, social conditioning, and help-seeking behaviour. Dr Sanjay Kumar Munda, professor at the Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP), said that while suicide attempts may be higher among women, men often resort to more lethal means. He added that stigma around seeking help continues to weigh heavily on men, contributing to higher mortality. Many men delay or avoid intervention until a crisis deepens, he noted.
Dr Siddhartha Sinha, senior consultant and neuro-psychiatrist at the Ranchi Institute of Neuro-Psychiatry and Allied Sciences (Rinpas), highlighted that substance abuse often becomes a dangerous coping mechanism for men. In moments of distress, they are more likely to turn to alcohol or drugs instead of clinical care. Dr Sinha also pointed to entrenched “anti-psychiatry” beliefs, where men avoid professional treatment due to shame or rumours that medicines can cause physical problems such as erectile dysfunction.
Leading Causes of Suicide
The NCRB report identified family problems and marital issues as the leading causes behind suicides in Jharkhand, accounting for 551 and 388 cases, respectively. Other major causes included failed love affairs (282 cases), unemployment (193 cases), and chronic illness (179 cases).
Psychological Dimensions and Coping Strategies
On the psychological dimension, Dr Munda explained that individuals who attempt suicide often exhibit poor tolerance levels and maladaptive coping skills. He advised using either “problem-focused” or “emotion-focused” coping strategies. “A person should first assess whether a problem can be solved. If not, the focus should shift to managing emotions and seeking professional support,” he said.
Dr Sinha emphasised that reaching a professional is only the beginning, warning that “undertreatment” remains a serious obstacle. Many patients discontinue medicines and therapy after slight improvement, unlike the consistency shown in treating long-term physical illnesses such as diabetes or hypertension. He called for sustained treatment adherence and community awareness to reduce suicide rates.
