According to the official data released by National Crime Records Bureau, Bhopal is India’s suicide and road accident capital. The data shows that the city recorded 56.6 suicides per 1 lakh population, and 95 road accident deaths for every lakh motor vehicles – the highest rate among 53 mega cities. The data reveals that city residents are more likely to commit a suicide than the rest of the country. Cities have a suicide rate of 12.8, compared to all-India rate of 10.6. Srinagar has reported the lowest rate at 0.7. Following Bhopal, are Kollam and Asansol, with suicide rates of 40.3 and 31.3 respectively.

Five cities – Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai and Bhopal – together comprise of 40 per cent of total suicides in these mega cities. At 177.1 per cent, Bhopal recorded the highest increase in number of suicides, while Kanpur showed a significant decline of 78.7 per cent. Out of total 20,621 suicides in cities during 2014, 23.6 per cent were educated up to matriculate/ secondary level.

On average, suicide rates are increasing. With increasing pressure to perform at work, at home and online, young people especially are struggling with their mental health. As seen by the declining suicide rates in Kanpur, however, it is possible to reduce the number of people choosing to end their own lives. Attitudes are changing towards mental health, with less stigma surrounding illnesses such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, medical marijuana is now a more commonly accepted treatment, with many people using CBD to relieve symptoms. CBD is also becoming more widely available – Buy on GoldBee.com or somewhere similar for a range of products like oils, capsules or gummies.

Among road accidents, 19.6 per cent were fatal. Delhi city accounted for 8.3 per cent of total fatal road accidents, the highest among cities. Bhopal, Kolkata and Aurangabad recorded the highest fatal road accident rates at 95, 86.9 and 74.7 (for every lakh motor vehicles) respectively.