Last Updated:February 12, 2026, 14:40 IST
Mental health concerns, family disputes, financial pressure, unemployment, relationship breakdowns and emotional distress are among the most common triggers
Mental health professionals also highlight that academic stress, emotional overload, economic uncertainty and challenges faced during adolescence often contribute to suicidal thoughts.
Bengaluru is witnessing a worrying rise in suicide deaths, with official data showing that one life is lost roughly every three and a half hours. Over the past four years, the city has recorded more than 9,450 suicide cases, highlighting an ongoing public health and social concern.
According to figures from the Home Department, the city continues to report consistently high numbers, with more than 2,000 deaths by suicide each year between January 2022 and November 2025. On average, six to seven people die by suicide daily in Bengaluru.
A year-wise analysis shows that the figures have remained largely stable, with only minor fluctuations. In 2022, the city reported 2,370 suicide deaths. The number dropped slightly in 2023 to 2,313, marking a decrease of 57 cases or approximately 2.4%.
However, the trend reversed in 2024, when the number rose to 2,403 deaths. This reflected an increase of 90 cases, or nearly 3.9% compared to the previous year. By the end of November 2025, Bengaluru had already recorded 2,364 suicides, almost equalling the total reported in 2024, indicating that the annual figure is likely to remain above 2,300.
The data suggests that suicide deaths in the city have not shown any sustained decline and continue to remain consistently high.
What Are The Major Causes Behind the Rise?
Experts attribute the increasing numbers to a combination of psychological and social factors. Mental health concerns, family disputes, financial pressure, unemployment, relationship breakdowns and emotional distress are among the most common triggers. Young adults form a significant proportion of those affected.
The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences states that nearly one-third of individuals who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental illness. The remaining cases are largely linked to psychosocial stress, including financial challenges, relationship conflicts and family-related issues.
Mental health professionals also highlight that academic stress, emotional overload, economic uncertainty and challenges faced during adolescence often contribute to suicidal thoughts.
The consistently high figures underline the scale of the crisis, drawing attention to the need for continued focus on mental health awareness, early intervention and support systems across the city.
If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata)
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First Published:
February 12, 2026, 14:40 IST
News cities bengaluru-news 1 Death Every 3.5 Hours: Bengaluru’s Mental Health Crisis Fuelled By Financial Stress & Relationship IssuesDisclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
A year-wise analysis shows that the figures have remained largely stable, with only minor fluctuations. In 2022, the city reported 2,370 suicide deaths. The number dropped slightly in 2023 to 2,313, marking a decrease of 57 cases or approximately 2.4%.
However, the trend reversed in 2024, when the number rose to 2,403 deaths. This reflected an increase of 90 cases, or nearly 3.9% compared to the previous year. By the end of November 2025, Bengaluru had already recorded 2,364 suicides, almost equalling the total reported in 2024, indicating that the annual figure is likely to remain above 2,300.
The data suggests that suicide deaths in the city have not shown any sustained decline and continue to remain consistently high.
What Are The Major Causes Behind the Rise?
Experts attribute the increasing numbers to a combination of psychological and social factors. Mental health concerns, family disputes, financial pressure, unemployment, relationship breakdowns and emotional distress are among the most common triggers. Young adults form a significant proportion of those affected.
The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences states that nearly one-third of individuals who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental illness. The remaining cases are largely linked to psychosocial stress, including financial challenges, relationship conflicts and family-related issues.
Mental health professionals also highlight that academic stress, emotional overload, economic uncertainty and challenges faced during adolescence often contribute to suicidal thoughts.
The consistently high figures underline the scale of the crisis, drawing attention to the need for continued focus on mental health awareness, early intervention and support systems across the city.
If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata)
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