Sikkim Reports 15 Suicides, One Just 13 Years, in a Week, Raising Concern Over Mental Health Situation in the State

The victims, from different age groups and backgrounds, included students, working professionals, and elderly individuals.

In a deeply concerning trend, Sikkim has reported 15 suicides in just a week from February 8–15, 2025, raising serious concerns about mental health, social pressures, and financial distress.

The victims, from different age groups and backgrounds, included students, working professionals, and elderly individuals.

According to police reports, the cases involve individuals from different age brackets, each facing unique challenges.
Teenagers (3 cases)
Three teenagers, aged between 13 and 17, took their own lives in Gyalshing, Pakyong, and Namchi districts. One of the victims was a Class X student preparing for board exams.
Young Adults (6 cases)
Among the six young adult victims were a 19-year-old woman in Temi, a 21-year-old woman in Mangan, and four men aged between 25 and 38. Some of them were reportedly struggling with personal and financial issues, with a few dealing with job losses and loan burdens.
Middle-aged Individuals (5 cases)
Five middle-aged individuals, including a 30-year-old pharmaceutical employee, a 35-year-old man, three 40-year-old men, and a 49-year-old labourer, were also reported to have died by suicide. Financial hardship, family disputes, and emotional distress have been cited as possible contributing factors.
Elderly (1 case)
In a tragic incident, a 71-year-old man reportedly jumped off the Rothak Bridge in Soreng. While the exact reason remains unclear, sources suggest he had been battling loneliness and age-related mental health issues.

While investigations are underway, preliminary findings indicate that depression, financial struggles, family problems, and social isolation may have played significant roles in these deaths.

Mental health professionals have pointed out multiple underlying reasons that could be contributing to the rise in suicides:
1.Depression and anxiety : Many victims were reportedly struggling with mental health issues but lacked access to psychological support and counselling.

2. Academic pressure: The suicide of a Class X student before board exams underscores the immense stress students face, raising concerns about the need for mental health awareness in schools.
3. Financial distress: Some victims, including small business owners and daily wage earners, were reportedly facing severe economic pressure, leading to despair.
4. Family and relationship issues: A few victims were living alone, dealing with marital separation, or experiencing personal conflicts that may have led to their decision.
5. Substance abuse: Several cases involved individuals with a history of alcoholism, which might have worsened their emotional struggles.

Also Read: Sikkim: 17-Year-Old Student Dies by Suicide in Damthang Ahead of Board Exams

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