Start the conversation before it is too late
Summary
World Suicide Prevention Day highlights Nepal’s rising suicide deaths and the need for open, compassionate conversations to help people in crisis. The piece urges families, schools, journalists and policymakers to treat suicide as a public health issue rather than a moral or criminal one.
Key Points
- Nepal Police records for 2024/25 show nearly 6,900 suicide deaths, about 19 deaths every day.
- The article says asking direct, compassionate questions about suicide does not increase risk and can help people seek support.
- Suicide is presented as a public health and social issue shaped by mental illness, relationship problems, debt, unemployment, isolation and other pressures.
- The writer urges families, teachers, employers, journalists and policymakers to help prevent suicide and points to the toll-free helpline 1166.
