Key Highlights:
- Suicide claims 703,000 lives annually worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)
- In 2023, 513 students from schools, colleges, and universities across Bangladesh took their own lives
- Family pressure regarding studies (4.5%), exam failures (3.4%), and underachievement (1.8%) were cited as crucial reasons for suicides
What if depression and suicide were distant memories, replaced by a world where everyone thrived in mental well-being? Unfortunately, the stark truth is that depression and suicide continue to cast long, dark shadows across the globe, with an alarming resonance in Bangladesh claiming countless lives and dreams, particularly among the youth.
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Suicide claims 703,000 lives annually worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Low-income and middle-income nations, like Bangladesh, witness 77% of these deaths. Shockingly, nearly 20% of suicides aren’t reported. Asians make up 60% of global suicide cases, with the highest rates in their region.
Each suicide death has a profound impact, affecting about 5–6 people, which translates to an annual impact of over 60 million individuals globally. Despite this significant toll, suicide garners less attention in Asia compared to the Western countries. The epidemiologic patterns, risk factors, and protective factors for suicide in Asia differ markedly from those in West, which are the primary focus of most suicide literature.
A Tragic Toll of 513 Lives Lost in 2023
In 2023, 513 students from schools, colleges, and universities across Bangladesh took their own lives. Female students accounted for 60.2% of these tragic incidents, with 309 cases, while male student suicides numbered 204, according to the social organization ‘Aachol Foundation’.
This figure marks a slight decrease from 2022 when 532 students from various educational institutions died by suicide. The study found that 227, or 44%, of the suicides were committed by school students. Additionally, 140 college students, 98 university students, and 48 madrasa students took their own lives last year.
| Year | Total Suicides | Female Suicides | Male Suicides | School Student Suicides | College Student Suicides | University Student Suicides | Madrasa Student Suicides |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 513 | 309 | 204 | – | – | – | – |
| 2022 | 532 | – | – | 227 | 140 | 98 | 48 |
Nationwide Student Suicide Scourge
Among Bangladesh’s 8 divisions, the Dhaka division documented the most student suicides in 2023, tallying up to 149 cases. This was followed by Chattogram, which had 89 cases. Rajshahi division recorded 77 cases, while Khulna saw 64.
Dhaka and Chittagong universities reported the highest number of student suicides, with each institution recording 5 cases. Both the Barisal and Rangpur divisions reported 43 cases each. Mymensingh had 36 student suicides, and Sylhet recorded the lowest number, with 12 cases.
| Division | Number of Student Suicides |
|---|---|
| Dhaka Division | 149 |
| Chattogram Division | 89 |
| Rajshahi Division | 77 |
| Khulna Division | 64 |
| Barisal Division | 43 |
| Rangpur Division | 43 |
| Mymensingh Division | 36 |
Depression Outweighs Physical Pain in Tragic Student Deaths
Last year in Bangladesh, student suicides were predominantly driven by ‘emotional distress’ or depression, which was cited in over 32% (165 cases) of such tragic events. The profound impact of psychiatric pain or depression on mental well-being cannot be overstated, often leading to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
The research highlights the significance of psychiatric pain in fostering suicidal ideation and behavior. According to Mee et al., patients have reported psychological distress as more intolerable than any physical pain they have endured.
Following emotional distress, relationships, and affairs emerged as the second leading cause, contributing to 14.8% of the incidents. Mental health issues were identified in 9.9% of the cases among students in Bangladesh, while domestic disputes and abuse accounted for 6.2% and 1.4% of suicides, respectively.
Major Reasons for Suicide in Students
- Emotional distress/depression: 32%
- Relationships and Affairs: 14.8%
- Mental health issues: 9.9%
- Domestic disputes: 6.2%
- Abuse: 1.4%
- Sexual harassment in student suicides: 2.5%
- Feelings of humiliation in student suicides: 0.8%
Students Buckling Under Family Pressure
Family pressure regarding studies (4.5%), exam failures (3.4%), and underachievement (1.8%) were cited as other crucial reasons for suicides. After completing education, students face a transitional period where they seek stability in their personal and professional lives before entering the workforce or pursuing higher education.
Financial stability and peer pressure can exacerbate stress, anxiety, and depression among youth. Social changes like industrialization and urbanization have led to nuclear families, a lack of communication, and a lack of support for children during crises in Bangladesh.
The patriarchal society expects men to conform to masculine norms of strength and dominance, creating psychological distress when they fail to meet societal expectations. Typical expectations of becoming the family leader and the socio-cultural situation that expects men to be emotionally strong prevent them from seeking mental health support.
Social Stigma Prevents Millions from Seeking Mental Health Help
A recent study reveals that 45% of individuals who die by suicide have visited a primary care physician within the month before their death, yet they often do not disclose their suicidal thoughts. In this context, a report indicates a staggering treatment gap of 92.3% for adults and 94.5% for children.
Shockingly, only 400 clinical psychologists are serving a population of 16 billion in Bangladesh.
Many individuals refrain from seeking help due to the fear of social exclusion, and some even face bullying because of their struggles. Additionally, sexual harassment plays a significant role in 2.5% of student suicides, while feelings of humiliation contribute to another 0.8% of cases.
Gaps in Mental Health Care and Stigma in Bangladesh
- Visited primary care physician before death: 45%
- Treatment gap for adults: 92.3%
- Treatment gap for children: 94.5%
Youth Falling Prey to Drugs in the Post-Graduation Phase
The post-graduation transition proves challenging, with increased susceptibility to drug exposure. Bangladesh faces heightened risks for sustainable development due to a rising number of drug users, predominantly youth.
A report reveals Dhaka’s narcotics bureau pinpointed 3,500 drug dealers. According to the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC), 84.27% of Bangladesh’s drug abusers fall within the 16 to 40 age bracket, with the most severe abuse occurring among 21 to 25-year-olds.
Substance use disorders emerge as prominent risk factors for suicidal behavior, often triggered by depressive symptoms, specific personality traits, and circumstances.
Why Does Political Marginalization Remain Unspoken?
Student depression in Bangladesh often overlooks the issue of political marginalization, wherein certain groups or individuals are deliberately pushed to the sidelines of society, and stripped of their rights to engage in political discourse, economic negotiations, and social interactions.
On January 15, 2018, female students were assaulted during a rally calling for the University of Dhaka (DU) to end its affiliation with seven Dhaka-based colleges. The attack left at least 30 students injured, with 10 in critical condition. Tragically, 3 party members later took their own lives, including the top student in their department who had graduated first in their class.
Another case involves Amirul Islam, a dedicated BNP activist, who took his own life in 2018. According to his family, his deep involvement in politics prevented him from pursuing a job, and the current political climate severely impacted his mental health, leading to his tragic decision.
In 2022, Dawud Sheikh, a political activist from Bangladesh’s ruling party, reportedly died by suicide after being physically harassed and insulted by another influential party member.
How Can We Break the Silence?
Suicide prevention stands as a pivotal goal within the SDGs. In Bangladesh, the ‘Kaan Pete Roi helpline (09612-119911)’ stands alone, offering vital mental health and suicide prevention assistance. Data shows 75% of low-risk and 24% of moderate to high-risk individuals seek help through the helpline.
Some recommendations are:
- The national helpline 999 could provide suicide prevention services, or a new hotline specifically for suicide emergencies may be needed.
- Accessible, low-cost healthcare services are crucial at both local and national government levels to reduce suicidal tendencies.
- Developing self-care tools and guidelines can empower individuals to seek help proactively.
- Family members can offer essential support to graduates during times of stress.
- Schools, educators, and environments should encourage individuals’ ability to cope with adversity and embrace failure.
Notably, the mental health policy was enacted in Bangladesh in 2022. Section 7.13 of this policy, focusing on Suicide Prevalence and Risk Reduction, highlights the significant issue of suicide in Bangladesh, particularly among adolescents and young adults, necessitating specific interventions.
The National Mental Health Strategic Plan (NMHSP) 2020-2030 for Bangladesh represents a comprehensive roadmap crafted by the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. Its primary goal is to establish a robust, interconnected, and adaptable framework ensuring the accessibility and utilization of high-quality mental health and psychosocial well-being services and resources.
