The recent death of AI engineer Atul Subhash in Bengaluru has reignited discussions on the increasing suicide rate among men in major metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. Economic stress, family responsibilities, mental health struggles, and social pressure are pushing men towards taking extreme steps.
While it may be hard to believe, men are significantly more likely to die by suicide than women. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), men bear the primary financial burden of their families, leading to stress and hopelessness. Additionally, men often hesitate to seek help, increasing their risk of suicide. In Mumbai, the challenges of urban life—high living costs and intense competition—also contribute to their mental health struggles.
NCRB data reveals a 4.5% increase in suicide cases in Mumbai alone.
336 Men Die by Suicide Daily: NCRB statistics show that men are much more prone to suicide than women. In 2022, out of 1,70,924 suicides, over 1,22,000 were men, meaning an average of 336 men died by suicide daily.
The suicide rate in India is 12.4 per 1 lakh people, the highest in the past 56 years. The percentage of male suicides is nearly 70% higher than female suicides.
While women also die by suicide due to domestic violence, dowry harassment, and mental stress, they often receive more emotional support from friends, family, or their social circle, which helps reduce their stress compared to men. Overall, 67% of all suicide victims are between 18 and 45 years old.
Suicide Statistics Over the Past 5 Years:
In the last five years, for every one female suicide, there were 2.44 male suicides.
Psychiatrist Dr. Nishikant Vibhute, speaking to The Free Press Journal, explained why men are more vulnerable to suicide compared to women. According to Dr. Vibhute, hormonal changes and multiple challenges during pregnancy and childbirth make women more resilient. Women also play multiple roles—daughter, mother, sister, wife—which help them develop a broader perspective on life and a more flexible approach to handling stress.
Additionally, women are more communicative and seek solutions earlier than men. They express their emotions freely, whereas men tend to suppress emotions due to societal conditioning, believing that “boys should not cry” as it is seen as a sign of weakness. This emotional suppression often leads to an increased risk of depression and suicidal tendencies in men.
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data from 2018 to 2022 reveals alarming trends in suicide cases.
In 2018, a total of 1,34,516 suicides were reported, with 42,391 women and 92,114 men.
In 2019, the total number of suicides rose to 1,39,123, including 41,493 women and 97,613 men.
In 2020, the number increased further to 1,53,052, comprising 44,498 women and 1,08,532 men.
In 2021, the total suicide cases reached 1,64,033, with 45,026 women and 1,18,979 men.
In 2022, the highest number of suicides was recorded at 1,70,924, with 48,172 women and 1,22,724 men.
These statistics indicate that for every one woman who died by suicide, approximately 2.44 men took their own lives over the past five years.
Top 5 Reasons for Male Suicides:
Social Pressure:
Men face higher family and societal expectations, pushing them toward suicide.
Financial Issues:
Unemployment, debt, and financial instability contribute significantly to male suicides.
Hesitation to Seek Help:
Many men avoid seeking help, fearing social judgment, which increases their suicide risk.
Family Disputes:
Marital problems and relationship issues often lead men to take extreme steps.
Substance Abuse:
Men are more prone to alcohol and drug abuse, with 10% of male suicides linked to addiction.
Suicide by Age Group:
18 to 30 years: 35% of all suicides
30 to 45 years: 32% of all suicides
Suicide Rates by Occupation:
Daily wage laborers: More than 25% of suicides
Self-employed individuals: 11% of suicides
Salaried professionals: 10% of suicides
Unemployed and students: 8% of suicides
Case Study: Suicide Attempt Due to Financial Crisis
In Mumbai, five days ago, a 53-year-old woman, who had been battling multiple health issues, including severe diabetes, heart ailments, and eye-related complications, died by suicide at her sister’s residence in a housing society in Mulund.
How to Prevent Suicides:
Prioritize mental health.
Seek help from suicide prevention helplines and counseling centers.
Encourage men to seek emotional support.
Share concerns with close friends and family.
Where to Seek Help for Mental Health Support:
Helpline Number: 1800-233-3330
Vandrevala Foundation: 9999666555 or help@vandrevalafoundation.com
TISS Helpline: 022-25521111
Tele-MANAS Helpline: 1800-91-4416
Contact a Psychiatrist
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately.
