CHENNAI: There is a crisis buffeting households across Tamil Nadu, where every day in 2024 saw at least seven housewives end their lives, according to the Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India report released for that year.
The report, compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), said 2,821 housewives ended their lives in TN in 2024. Experts attributed this to acute domestic pressures and emotional distress, stressing a need for targeted interventions among this vulnerable category.
Nationally, housewives accounted for 48.9% of all female victims of suicide (22,113 out of 45,245 deaths) in 2024 and nearly 13% of all suicides nationwide.
Family problems were the leading cause of suicides nationally, according to the report, responsible for 33.5% of deaths; this figure was higher in TN at 38.8%. Similarly, illness accounts for 29.3% of deaths by suicides in the state, far higher than the national figure of 18%.
Dr Lakshmi Vijayakumar, psychiatrist and founder of Sneha, a suicide prevention organisation, pointed out that the work of housewives often receives little recognition. “A majority of these women are educated, yet remain economically dependent and emotionally unsupported.
Though a housewife’s work often exceeds that of a working woman, it receives little recognition. They are frequently dismissed as ‘just housewives’ by families and society. The burden of unfulfilled aspirations, isolation and the pressure to hold families together without any outlet takes a toll on their mental health,” she said.
Chennai-based psychiatrist Dr R Sreedharan said that family-related stress, including marital conflict and caregiving responsibilities, remained a major trigger for women to harm themselves. “Housewives often have limited opportunities to express emotional distress.
They are expected to absorb conflict and maintain harmony within the family, creating chronic psychological strain. Many women experience a gradual erosion of identity and self-worth. When this combines with illness, financial pressure or marital discord, it can push them towards extreme steps,” he said.
According to Dr M Malaiappan, Director of the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), people must be taught the tools to handle emotional crises and trauma. Noting that the institute has been conducting awareness programmes on depression to help people identify symptoms at an early stage and access help, he said,
“Teaching life skills and stress management skills can significantly reduce and check suicide rates. These tools equip individuals to handle emotional crises, process trauma and develop healthier coping mechanisms.”
Calling for a collective response, Dr Lakshmi said, “We need community-level mental health outreach programmes that specifically target homemakers. Families must also respect housewives, acknowledge their contribution and provide them with opportunities to realise their potential and sense of self-worth.”
(If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact TN’s helpline number at 104 or Sneha suicide helpline at 044- 24640050)