Gangtok, June 9: The Health and Family Welfare Department of Sikkim has reported a steady decline in the state’s suicide rate over the past three years, attributing the improvement to sustained mental health and suicide prevention measures.

According to a press release issued on Monday, the suicide rate in Sikkim fell from 43.1 per lakh population in 2022 to 40.2 per lakh in 2023, and further to 36.3 per lakh in 2024. The department highlighted that this represents a 6.7 per cent reduction between 2022 and 2023, followed by a 9.7 per cent drop between 2023 and 2024.

Officials described the trend as evidence of the impact of ongoing awareness campaigns, counseling services, and community-based interventions aimed at addressing mental health challenges. The department emphasized that continued efforts are essential to build on this progress and ensure greater support for individuals at risk.