Tamil Nadu is grappling with a severe suicide crisis, having recorded 19,965 suicides in 2024, making it the second-highest in India after Maharashtra. The state’s suicide rate of 25.9 per lakh population is more than double the national average of 12.2. Senior psychiatrist Dr. Lakshmi Vijayakumar emphasizes the need for policies targeting drug and alcohol access, especially among youth, and creating awareness in schools to address mental health issues. The data reveals that married individuals represent the largest group of suicides, with 14,842 deaths, while urban areas like Chennai saw 1,525 suicides, mirroring broader trends. The state also reported the highest number of mass suicides, with 32 incidents resulting in 79 deaths. Causes for suicides include family problems, illness, and love failures, with 478 cases linked to romantic issues. The alarming figures highlight the urgent need for comprehensive mental health strategies and infrastructure to combat this public health menace.