A National Crisis: Suicidal Ideation and Behaviours in Bangladesh:

Prevalence and Demographics

In Bangladesh, suicidal ideation and behaviours represent a critical public health crisis, shaped by a complex interplay of socioeconomic shifts, cultural pressures, and a significantly underserved mental healthcare system. Research indicates an escalating burden:

• General Population: Approximately 24.2% of people experience suicidal thoughts in their lifetime.

• Gender Trends: Females face a higher risk for ideation and non-fatal attempts, deviating from global male-dominated completion patterns.

• Youth & Students: University students show ideation rates as high as 61.1%, while 25% of medical students report similar struggles.

• Adolescents: Rural prevalence among 11- to 17-year-olds stands at approximately 21%.

Key Risk Factors

Suicidal thoughts are driven by a convergence of psychological, social, and economic stressors:

• Psychological Conditions: Depression is the primary predictor, affecting 60% of those with suicidal ideation.

• Social & Family Dynamics: Marital discord, domestic violence, and educational stress (e.g., exam failure or “ragging”) are prominent triggers.

• Economic Strain: Financial hardship, unemployment, and debt are major contributors.

• Legal Barriers: Under Section 309 of the Penal Code, suicide remains a criminal offence, fostering stigma and discouraging help-seeking.

Mental Health Infrastructure and Community Misunderstandings

The nation faces a severe shortage of resources, with an adult mental health treatment gap estimated at 92.3%. While concerns exist regarding medication, the World Health Organization (WHO) maintains that antidepressants and professional care are the global standard for prevention. Key warning signs include behavioural changes and emotional shifts; these require immediate intervention.

National Strategies and Policy Framework (2025–2026)

The government and international bodies are formalising suicide prevention efforts:

• National Mental Health Strategic Plan (2020–2030): Aims for a 5% reduction in suicide mortality by 2025 through national registries and restricting access to lethal means.

• WHO LIVE LIFE Initiative (2025): Focuses on monitoring, pesticide regulation, and early intervention.

• Decriminalisation Advocacy: Activists are pushing for the repeal of Section 309 to remove legal barriers to care.

Key Awareness and Advocacy Campaigns

Efforts for 2024–2026 focus on “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”:

• Walk The Talk 2025: A major movement in Dhaka scheduled for September 2025 to foster stigma-free conversations.

• **World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September):**Annual roundtable discussions involving the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs and UNICEF Bangladesh.

Critical Support Resources

• 999 National Emergency Service: Immediate crisis intervention.

• Shastho Batayon (16263): Dial 16263 and press ‘0’ to speak with a doctor via the DGHS Health Helpline.

• Alokito Manush Foundation (AMF): Providing confidential crisis support and advocacy via web chat.

Seeking Professional Help

Mental health professionals—including psychiatrists and clinical psychologists—are essential for treatment. Evidence-based interventions like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) empower individuals to replace harmful patterns with effective coping strategies.