depression
The boy was upset and took his life. (Representational Image)Creative Commons

About five cases of suicide were reported in Hyderabad last week, taking the total to 250 cases this year. Hyderabad-based psychiatrists have claimed that many youngsters are becoming victims of depression.

"Depression and stress are the main reasons for suicide. Women top the chart in suicide attempt cases. Men opt for painful and absolute ways – they shoot, consume poison or hang themselves," Dr Radhika Acharya, a psychiatrist, told Times Of India. She added that the major cause of depression and suicide is due to their inability to express emotions.

At least 30 distress calls are made every month at Roshni, an anti-suicide NGO based in Hyderabad. "People who call the helpline are in cross-hairs over their marital or love life or have financial problems. There are students who approach us, sharing their academic-related stress and love failures," said a counsellor.

The counsellors try to find out the main cause of the problem when a person suffering from depression calls the NGO, said Malati Raj, director at Roshni. "Their thoughts will be clouded with aggressive intents. Once they unburden their thoughts, they feel better," added Malati.

The key concern among women is the family dispute or harassment. About 70 women have committed suicide this year. In 2017, at least 190 people, most of whom were women, were prevented from committing suicide by jumping into Hussainsagar lake, the local police said.

Most of the victims of suicide were identified to be of the age group between 21 and 30 years. This includes both men and women.

A look at the academic year 2017-18 shows that more than 30 students committed suicide during this period in Hyderabad. Statistics over the past three years shows that more than 26,000 students have committed suicide across India mainly due to stress, anxiety and depression.