Suicides in Goa

PANJIM: Stress and family woes have not only sapped some people's will to live, but has led to suicide in a moment of weakness. An annual tabulation of data available from the Goa police reveals that the incidents of suicides amongst divorcees and those having family problems have witnessed a dramatic increase in the last 5 years.

This year, in just 6 months, 27 persons have committed suicide due to family problems. In 2006, 45 persons had committed suicide, which was an increase of 15 cases of suicide due to family problems. With the incidents of divorce on the raise, the number of suicide deaths due to divorce, which till 2005 was an unheard of, is on rise. In 2006, there were 3 divorce related suicide, which shot up to 5, within 6 months this year. Even failure in love, has led to suicide, though the number has declines to 8 this year, as compared to 24 in 2004.

These findings again underscore the need to have timely and effective family counseling programs for estranged couples. "The family counselors are there, but the culture of counseling, wherein a persons open up their feeing before the counselor is not there. There has to be more counseling centers with qualified marriage counselors to help an estranged couple," said Auda Veigas of Bailancho Ekvott.

But insanity, mental illness and depression due to other prolonged illness, still remains a single major cause for suicides in the state. While 27 committed suicides due to the above reasons from January to July 2007, the number was much higher in 2006 at 73. If unemployment has also led to suicide, what with 6 committing suicide this year, then bankruptcy or sudden change in economic status has forced people to take the "ultimate" step-suicide. In 2007, 5 committed suicide due to bankruptcy.

Experts believe that in an individualistic "winners take it all society", the losers are more likely to kill, if they don't have the will and strength to cope up with their woes, as it creates a sense helplessness and hopelessness. "Poor coping skills leads to an inability to deal with the problem and then they land in a situation of frustration and become desperate," opined Dr Rajesh Dhume, Senior Psychiatrist of the DHS, Asilo Hospital.

But he made it clear that there can't be reason for every suicide, as a person may commit suicide during their never had it so good days. "Many suicides are impulsive and they have no history of depression or mental illness," he added.

DIG Ujjwal Mishra candidly admitted that there is very little they can stop suicides. However, he admits that the Goa police is working to ensure that a person in distress gets counseling on time. "We thinking of strengthening 100 and also providing a toll-free number that is manned by a counselor, who can counsel anyone who calls for help," added Mishra.

(An earlier version of the article published in Gomantak Times, Panaji, Goa)