SUICIDE ACROSS THE WORLD

One person at his/her discretion terminates the life in a self chosen manner is called suicide. Huge number of people across the world are committing suicide every year. An estimated 1 million people commit suicide around the world every year. There could be many reasons for one to commit suicide. According to researchers, the prime reasons are:

Academic performance

Physical condition

Mental health

Economic standing

Financial struggle

Workplace performance

Overall life satisfaction.

Countries with highest rate of suicide are:

(World ranking, name of country and number of persons per lakh)

1. Lesotho - 72.4 (It is a kingdom encircled by South Africa, located at high altitude with a population of about 22 lakhs)

2. Guyana - 40.3

4. South Korea - 28.6

9. Russia - 25.1

10. South Africa - 23.5

Countries with the lowest rate of suicide are: (less than 1 per lakh)

Antigua

Barbados

Grenada

The suicide rate of the following countries are notable.

Syria - 2.0

Iraq - 3.6

Afghanistan - 4.1

Suicide per lakh in selected countries in 2021

USA 16.1

Finland 15.3

Japan 15.3

Sweden 14.7

Austria 14.6

Switzerland 14.5

Cuba 14.5

France 13.8

India 12.7

Australia 12.5

Germany 12.3

Iceland 11.9

Netherlands 11.8

Canada 11.8

China 8.1

UK 7.9

Spain 7.7

Vietnam 7.5

Brazil 6.9

UAE 6.4

Malaysia 5.7

Israel.5.3

Kuwait 2.9

Indonesia 2.4

South Korea ranks 4th in the world in suicide ratings per lakh people. Good number of South Koreans commit suicide are old aged people. Children are expected take care of their elderly parents. The new social system developed in the society do not encourage children to take care of their old aged parents. A good number of children too commit suicide in South Korea on academic reasons. They expect to perform well, but if happen otherwise they cannot withstand the pressure and commit suicide instead of making another attempt.

Total number of suicide deaths in India 1,39,123 in 2019.

Education in school level is the most effective way to prevent suicide. Children should be infused with more courage. They should be asked to make  more and more attempts. Help them to see life in a more positive manner.

K V George