TIRUPATI: Residents of Bangarreddipalle village in Chittoor district woke up last month to the shocking news that a family of four had collectively died of suicide. The family’s breadwinner had been under severe emotional strain, as his wife battled a prolonged illness, leading to an acute financial struggle.
Just weeks earlier, a family of five in Venkatkrishnapalem in Tirupati district took a similar path. Mounting debts and losses in betting pushed the household into a crisis. The five dead included two children.
These tragedies are part of a worrying pattern across Tirupati, Chittoor and Annamayya districts. Emotional distress, family conflicts, financial pressure, and untreated mental health conditions are increasingly claiming lives.
Official figures show that more than 510 people died by suicide in Tirupati district, 290 in Chittoor district, and 287 in Annamayya district between January 2025 and June 2026.
Mental health experts say every death represents someone who believes there is no way out. “People generally do not take such a decision because of one incident. Most have been carrying emotional pain for months, sometimes years. A family dispute, illness, or debt may only be the final trigger,” said Dr. S. Bharathi, a psychiatrist taking care of mental health.
Doctors say people considering suicide often display warning signs. But these are frequently dismissed as temporary frustration. “People may repeatedly say they have become a burden, that life has no meaning, or that everyone would be better off without them. They may withdraw from family, stop interacting with friends, or suddenly lose interest in their daily routine. These are cries for help and should never be ignored,” Dr. Bharathi underlined.
While every suicide has its own circumstances, data show that some factors occur more frequently than others. Family disputes had been the biggest trigger, accounting for 35–37 per cent of suicides in Tirupati district over the past five years. Annamayya and Chittoor report a similar trend. Prolonged illness accounts for 26 per cent of suicides in Chittoor and 21 per cent in Tirupati. Financial distress, debt, unemployment, and addiction to gambling have also pushed many families to the brink.
A worrying trend is the increasing number of suicides in which children are becoming victims. Dr. K. Karunakaran, a psychiatrist, said such incidents show the severe emotional distress experienced by parents. “Parents are not thinking rationally at that stage. They begin to believe that no one will look after their children if they are gone. It is a sign of emotional distress. Counselling can prevent such thoughts from becoming actions,” he said.
Dr. Karunakaran said vulnerable individuals are not confined to distressed families alone. Migrant workers employed in industrial areas are also at risk, as they often live away from their families and support systems. In such cases, mental health workers suggest that employers should organise counselling sessions and mental health awareness campaigns for their employees.
Counselling has to go beyond hospitals. It should be available where people live and work. Ravindra Naik, a volunteer working with a mental health organisation, said, “People seek treatment immediately when they have a physical illness. But many hesitate to seek help for emotional problems because of the stigma. Mental health services have to become part of everyday community healthcare,” he observed.
Experts believe suicide prevention cannot be left to doctors alone. Families, teachers, employers, and neighbours all have a role in recognising distress and encouraging people to seek help. They have called for counselling services in villages, schools, colleges, and industries, along with awareness of the Tele-MANAS helplines 14416 or 1800-89-14416.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: deccanchronicle.com
