Why Bihar has the lowest suicide rate in India and the factors that make a difference

Bihar has the lowest suicide rate among all Indian states. According to the latest data from the Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI) 2021 report, the suicide rate in Bihar is 0.7, significantly lower than the national average of 12.0.

This is a significant achievement, as suicide rates in many other parts of India are pretty high. Bihar has been consistently reporting the lowest suicide rates in the country.

Why Bihar has the lowest suicide rate?

Though Bihar has the lowest literacy rate in India, It reports the lowest suicide rate. There are several reasons for the low suicide rate in Bihar :

One of the main reasons is the strong sense of community that exists in Bihar. It has a rich cultural heritage and a deep-rooted tradition of social support systems, which play a crucial role in preventing suicide.

Families, neighbors, and the community often intervene and provide support to individuals who may be experiencing mental health issues or distress.

Many people in Bihar have extended families that provide support and a sense of belonging. The extended family and community networks act as a safety net and provide individuals with a sense of security, which can be an important factor in preventing suicide. This can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which are often contributing factors to suicide.

Other factors:

Many people in Bihar have had to face difficult living conditions, traditional lifestyles, and economic challenges due to fewer jobs, and low literacy rates but despite this, they have not given up hope. Instead, they have developed a strong sense of perseverance and determination, which helps them to overcome difficult situations. This has been a key factor in preventing suicide in the state.

Another factor is the high migration rate to other parts of India for job opportunities. This provides a sense of purpose, better life, and financial stability.

What Bihar Government is doing for suicide prevention?

Bihar government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mariwala Health Foundation, Indian Law Society, Pune, and Initiating Concern For All (iCALL) to establish a technical support unit system for suicide prevention in the state.

The technical support unit system will provide support and services to individuals who may be at risks of suicide, such as counseling, mental health services, and calls. This initiative is a significant step towards addressing the issue of suicide in the state. It will also raise awareness about mental health and the importance of seeking help when needed.