Dorji Choden

The number of suicide cases among the country’s economically active population has reached alarming levels, with nearly 68 percent of those who took their own lives last year falling within the 20 to 59 age group, according to Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) statistics.

The Labour Force Survey Quarterly Report (LFSQR) defines those aged 20 to 64 as the most economically active.

Of the 103 suicides recorded in 2024, 70 were individuals aged 20 to 59, including 52 men and 18 women.

In 2023, 67.7 percent of the 96 suicide cases involved economically active individuals. Of the 65 cases in the 20 to 59 age group, 50 were men and 15 were women.

However, the Labour Force Survey Quarterly Report (LFSQR) reveals that at least 35 percent of the working-age population was economically inactive in 2024.

This trend highlights a steady decline in Bhutan’s economically active population.

The RBP report identifies mental health challenges, family issues, alcohol dependency, and other health concerns as the leading causes of these suicides.

Over the past two years, the number of suicide cases has increased by 7.3 percent, with male cases rising by 5.6 percent.

In 2024, of the 103 cases, 76 were men and 27 were women, compared to 96 cases in 2023, where 72 were men and 24 were women. RENEW (Respect, Educate, Nurture, and Empower Women) reported a rise in the number of men seeking their services, from 68 cases in 2023 to 78 cases in 2024.

District-wise, Chukha and Samtse recorded the highest number of cases over the past two years, followed by Thimphu and Sarpang.

The RBP report also shows that individuals who harmed themselves include both younger and older age groups.

In 2024, one case involved a child under 12 years old, while 16 cases were reported among teenagers aged 13 to 19, and another 16 cases were among individuals aged 60 and above.

In 2023, there were two cases involving children under 12, 14 cases among teenagers, and 15 among seniors.

The rise in suicide cases underscores the urgent need to prioritize mental health for all individuals, regardless of age or gender.

This is not an issue confined to specific groups, but one that affects everyone—men and women, young and old.