Suicides in Rural Puducherry: Insights from Experiences and Secondary Data

Description

Page: 655-659

Prajeesh B. Pious¹, R Nalini², and Vijayalakshmi³ (Department of Social Work, Pondicherry University, Puducherry^1,2 and Sanvi Educational and Charitable Trust, Tavalakuppam, Puducherry³)

Suicide has many underlying causes. This research sought to investigate the experiences of suicide and gain understanding of suicide methods through secondary data of a specific village. This qualitative study explores the experiences of suicide in a specific village between December 2011 and October 2021. After obtaining consent, the in-depth interview explored participants’ experiences, needs, and concerns. Purposive sampling method was used for selecting respondents (n=5). The secondary data collected from Sanvi NGO, Puducherry, from December 2011 to October 2021, suicide deaths in a village in Puducherry. Identified three themes : reaction to a suicide attempt (sub-theme: shock), mental changes after Suicide (sub-themes: Internal conflict, guilt, and suicidal ideation), and social changes after Suicide (sub-themes: social support services, stigma, & financial problems). Secondary data information on 146 suicide deaths was available, 105 were male, and 41 were female. Hanging cases are more prevalent in the village, followed by consumption of poison and self-immolation. The maladaptive behaviour as a result of substance abuse leads to significant social impairment or persistent interpersonal problems, domestic violence, and arguments with spouse. In rural settings, fostering a supportive family environment, capacity building training as part of the Gram panchayat development plan, and involving the community through trained volunteers, such as ASHA workers, can be adopted.