Mumbai Sees Alarming Rise in Minor Girls’ Suicides: 23% More Than Boys in Past 4 Years

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Mumbai Faces Disturbing Surge in Suicides Among Minor Girls; Report Reveals Alarming Statistics

Mumbai, the bustling metropolis of India, is currently grappling with a deeply concerning issue – a significant rise in suicides among minor girls. This distressing trend has shed light on a new and pressing public health challenge that the city must address. Recent statistics obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act from the Mumbai police have revealed a notable shift in the landscape of suicide cases.

Traditionally, the number of suicides among teenage boys has surpassed that of girls. However, in the past four years, this pattern has undergone a troubling reversal. Between 2019 and 2022, while 188 boys tragically lost their lives to suicide, there was a staggering 23% increase in the cases of underage girls taking their own lives. The total number of these heart-wrenching incidents reached 231, according to a report published in The Times Of India.

Mumbai, unfortunately, ranks among the top five Indian cities with the highest suicide rates. The city has witnessed an overall increase of 22% in suicides, with the number of deaths rising from 1,229 in 2019 to a distressing 1,499 in 2022. Throughout this four-year period, 1,260 women took the tragic decision to end their lives, while men constituted a significantly higher number at 3,765. It is essential to note that family-related issues and financial problems have been identified as the main causes of suicides among adults.

Experts have offered insights into potential causes for the surge in suicides among minor girls. Stress, gaslighting in relationships, reluctance to confide in families, and stricter parental restrictions for girls are being cited as potential triggers. Societal pressures, especially body-shaming, have also been identified as influential factors. Cyber psychologist Nirali Bhatia emphasizes that bullying and body-shaming, often amplified by social media, are more prevalent among young girls, adding to their vulnerability.

The urgent attention required to address this disturbing trend has been highlighted by Dr. Samya Shinde, the head of the sociology department at LS Raheja College in Santacruz. She emphasizes that Western influences, obsession with social media, and societal expectations all contribute to the challenges faced by young girls. While the overall suicide rate remains higher among men, there is an urgent need to tackle the distinct rise in suicides among minor girls, highlighting a deeply troubling societal issue.

In an effort to raise awareness and provide support, the Mumbai Police have shared a helpline number for suicide prevention. It is crucial that individuals who may be struggling with their mental health or facing distressing circumstances reach out for assistance. The helpline, known as AASRA, is dedicated to providing support and guidance to those in need.

As the city of Mumbai grapples with this alarming surge in suicides among minor girls, it becomes imperative for society, parents, educators, and policymakers to come together and address this pressing issue. By implementing comprehensive mental health support systems, fostering open and non-judgmental communication, and promoting body positivity, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for young girls. Only then can we hope to stem the tide of this distressing trend and protect the lives of our future generation.

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Note: This article is written in British English..