When youth, middle-aged easily yield to suicidal tendencies

An 18-year-old college student died by suicide at Gandhi Maa Nagar near Peelamedu on May 7 after being reprimanded by her mother over excessive mobile phone usage.The student, who was pursuing first-year BSc computer science at a private college, was reportedly addicted to her phone. She took the extreme step after her mother confiscated the phone for neglecting chores. Distressed, the girl locked herself in her room. When she failed to respond to her mother's knocks, neighbours helped her break open the door, but only to find the teenage girl hanging from the ceiling. She was rushed to a private hospital, where doctors declared her brought dead. Like this, several young and middle-aged individuals are increasingly ending their lives in the city. According to recent data, the city has reported 125 suicide cases in the first four months of this year, marking a significant spike compared to the same period last year. As per the data, 70 people aged below 40 years took their own lives between Jan and May 10 last year. During the same period this year, the figure surged to 104. Statistics also reveal that 229 people in this age bracket had died by suicide in the calander year 2025. Senior police officials noted that the daily toll of one to two suicides in this demographic now outpaces fatalities caused by road accidents in the same age group. Mental health experts identify lower-income vulnerabilities, intoxication and isolation as primary drivers for suicides. Data shows that 35% of those who attempted suicide faced family disputes, 25% suffered from chronic health issues, and the remaining struggled with financial distress, including a loss of livelihood or an inability to repay loans. Hanging remains the most common method recorded in the city. A senior police officer emphasised that many individuals act on impulse during moments of acute heartbreak or sudden distress. Even among those who plan the act over time, a pervasive reluctance to share feelings with family members often prevents timely intervention. Compounding the issue, Vidiyal, a dedicated helpline launched by the police department in 2021, was recently abandoned after failing to yield expected results. Dr M Helena Selvakodi, director and founder, Anandham Mind Care Foundation in Coimbatore, stated the city reports more than 300 suicide attempts every month, representing a 40% year-on-year increase. She explained that vulnerability often stems from a mix of genetic factors, physical ailments and neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain. These biological triggers are frequently exacerbated by external stressors such as dysfunctional family environments, sibling rivalry, adolescent identity confusion, peer pressure, cyberbullying and alcohol dependence. She stressed that changing parenting styles could play a vital role in prevention. Moving away from harmful approaches, such as overly strict (authoritarian), permissive or neglectful parenting, and adopting an "authoritative" style that balances discipline with mutual respect could build better emotional resilience in children. Experts urged individuals experiencing distress to break the silence and seek immediate help. Suicidal thoughts must be addressed early by contacting the Tamil Nadu govt's 24x7 helpline at 14416.