Tue Dec 02 20:19:12 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewrite as a news article:

Summary:

An article published in “The Hindu” e-paper highlights the alarming rise in suicide rates in Kerala, India. It attributes the problem to the deteriorating mental health of the population, exacerbated by political and administrative pressures. The article cites statistics showing Kerala’s suicide rate significantly exceeding the national average and a surge in mental health issues over the past decade. It also connects poor mental health to other social problems like addiction and violence. The author calls for comprehensive mental health programs, improved counseling services in schools, training for teachers and parents, and a significant increase in the number of mental health professionals. The article argues that Kerala needs to prioritize mental health with the same urgency as other health concerns.

News Article:

Kerala Faces Mental Health Crisis as Suicide Rates Soar

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – December 3, 2025 – A new analysis published in The Hindu highlights a growing mental health crisis in Kerala, marked by alarmingly high suicide rates significantly exceeding the national average. The article points to systemic failures to prioritize mental health and a critical shortage of mental health professionals as key contributing factors.

According to the 2022 National Crime Records Bureau, Kerala’s suicide rate stands at 28.5 per 100,000 people, dwarfing the national average of 12.4 and second only to Sikkim. Studies further reveal a dramatic increase in mental health issues in Kerala between 2008 and 2018, with an estimated 12% of the population suffering from severe mental illnesses requiring hospital treatment.

Author B. Ekbal, a neurosurgeon and public health expert, argues that recent suicides, including those of police officers reportedly facing political and administrative pressures, have brought the issue to the forefront. “While accountability for the immediate causes of these tragedies is crucial, we must recognize the underlying issue: the fragile mental health of the Kerala population,” Ekbal writes.

The article connects the mental health crisis to rising rates of drug addiction, violence against women, and other social issues. Ekbal calls for a comprehensive and coordinated response, including:

  • Implementing mental health programs from childhood to old age.
  • Revamping health programs in educational institutions.
  • Providing training for teachers and parents on mental health awareness.
  • Significantly increasing the number of mental health professionals to meet recommended global norms.

Kerala currently has a severe shortage of mental health practitioners with 0.12 psychiatrists, 0.06 clinical psychologists and 0.006 psychiatric social workers per 10,000 people. Ekbal argues for a shift in priorities, urging the government, health department, experts, and professional organizations to develop long-term action plans to address this urgent public health crisis.

Those in distress or having suicidal thoughts can seek counselling by calling the suicide prevention helpline number: DISHA – 0471-2552056, 1056 or any of the numbers found in this link.

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