After two prolonged years of violence in Manipur, an alarming rise in suicide cases among the youth has emerged as a silent crisis. Many young lives, burdened by depression, stress, and hopelessness, are ending prematurely. When despair takes over and support is absent, suicide becomes the tragic choice — but this is not an act of cowardice. It is the reflection of an untreated mental health emergency.

Unfortunately, mental health care continues to be sidelined. Too often, suicide is dismissed as
weakness, instead of being understood as a symptom of deep emotional pain and psychological struggle. This narrative must change. Today, as the world observes Suicide Prevention Day, it is time for Manipur to commit itself to building safe spaces, removing stigma, and encouraging
individuals to seek help without fear or shame.

Understanding Suicidal Ideation

Suicidal ideation — or suicidal thoughts — is when a person thinks about, considers, or feels
preoccupied with death and suicide. These thoughts may come and go, or they may become overwhelming and distracting. In some cases, individuals may dwell on suicide to the point of making a plan to take their own life.

There are two forms of suicidal ideation:
👉Passive suicidal ideation: Suicidal thoughts occur without any immediate plan to act on them.
👉Active suicidal ideation: Suicidal thoughts are accompanied by an intent and an action plan.
This may include giving away valued belongings, withdrawing, or writing a note. Active suicidal ideation often requires emergency intervention.

Common Risk Factors

Suicidal ideation does not always have one cause. Often, it is shaped by a mix of
circumstances:
👉Biological factors: genetics, brain development, or family history of mental illness.
👉Demographics: age, education, employment, or socioeconomic stress.
👉Interpersonal relationships: conflicts, loss, or neglect.
👉Negative life events: trauma, displacement, or chronic violence.
👉Sexual orientation or gender identity: especially among LGBTQ+ communities facing stigmo or rejection.
👉Stress and substance use: alcohol or drug dependency increases vulnerability.
👉Underlying mental health conditions: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or psychosis.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Being aware of the early signs can save lives. A person at risk may show the following:
👉Talking about: wanting to die, feeling like a burden, or expressing guilt/shame.
👉Feeling: hopeless, trapped, extremely sad, anxious, agitated, or full of rage.
👉Behavior changes: making a suicide plan, researching methods, withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away possessions, reckless behavior (like dangerous driving), sudden mood swings, disrupted sleep or eating, increased drug or alcohol use.
Families, teachers, and communities must remain alert and respond with compassion and
support when they see these signs.

Manipur’s Urgent Need for Awareness:

The trauma of COVID-19 followed by prolonged conflict has left deep emotional scars across
Manipur. Many youths are displaced, unemployed, and uncertain about their future. Without timely professional help, depression, PTSD, and hopelessness can spiral into suicidal behavior.
This is why awareness programs in schools, colleges, workplaces, and local communities are urgently needed. Mental health services should not only be available but also accessible, affordable, and free from stigma.

Changing the Narrative

The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day (2024–2026) is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” This calls on all of us to challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma, and open compassionate conversations. It means shifting from silence to dialogue, from judgment to empathy, from isolation to community support.

But words alone are not enough. Systemic change is essential. Suicide prevention and mental health must be treated as public health priorities. Governments and institutions must implement evidence-based strategies, strengthen mental health infrastructure, and ensure timely support for those in distress.

A Call for Action

For anyone struggling, help is available. In Manipur, you can reach out to the Telemanas
Helpline 14416, a dedicated mental health support line. Seeking help is not weakness — it is courage, and it is the first step toward healing. On this day of global awareness, let us remember: each life matters. Together, we can build a society that heals minds, saves lives, and brings hope to those standing on the edge of despair.

Chittaranjan Meitram

Chittaranjan Meitram is a Psychiatric Social Worker with clinical exposure as an intern at MIMHANS (Meghalaya Institute of Mental Health and Neurological Sciences) and the Centre for Mental Hygiene, Changangei, Imphal. He holds a Master’s degree in Social Work with a specialization in Medical & Psychiatric Social Work.