Illness is one of the major factors leading to suicides in India

BANGALORE: Savitha, 21, a housewife from Hubli was suffering from constant stomach for over four years. Her patience to bear the pain ended on May 27 this year and she hanged herself in her maternal home. Savitha is just one example of 26570 Indian, who committed suicide in 2011 due to prolonged mental/physical illness like AIDs/STDs. Cancer, Paralysis and mental disorders.This amounts to 19.6% of total suicides committed in India.
The report released by National Crime Bureau Records for year 2011 in June says that 135585 Indians committed suicide las year. India lost over 11,100 people in the age group of 15-59 years due to suicides. Karnataka recorded 3146 suicides due to various illness, this despite Bangalore being an emerging hub of medical tourism.
"Suicide is one of the ways to get out of a situation that has no answer. Yes, this is not the right way," said Dr B N Gangadhar, Professor of Psychiatry, Nimhans.
Explaining the reason behind a person suffering from prolonged illness ending life in distress, Gangadhar said: "A person suffering from illness like AIDs or STD feels ashamed, guilty, hostile and depressed. The anger turns inwards and results in a suicide. If more suicides are as a result of these incurable diseases, it indicates that the rates of such diseases are increasing."
Rarely do undergraduate trainee students in medical schools are exposed to this sensitive skill. Unfortunately, this communication is either not effective if the physician is insensitive or the communication is made by laypersons, said Gangadhar.
Dr Sham Bhat, Consultant Psychiatrist, Manipal Hospitals said: "Risk of depression is 40% more in patients of chronic or terminal diseases. Physician and family members play an important role during this crucial time. A physician can counsel the patient by giving positive feedback on treatments available. Family members should give emotional support to the patient. If they find the symptoms of depression increasing they must seek professional help from psychiatrist."
"It is important for a family member to give hope to the patient. Even the doctor treating him/her should keep encouraging the patient and say that diseases like cancer and paralysis can be cured. Even AIDs and STDs, if not curable can certainly be managed and controlled," said Dr Naveen Salins, Consultant, Integrative oncology, HCG Cancer Hospital.