VOlUME 05 ISSUE 04 April 2026
Mr. Rajendra Singh
Banaras Hindu University
DOI : https://doi.org/10.58806/ijsshmr.2026.v5i4n25Google Scholar Download Pdf
ABSTRACT
Suicide remains a significant public health concern in India, with marginalized populations facing disproportionately higher risks due to intersecting social, economic, and cultural vulnerabilities. Groups such as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, LGBTQ+ individuals, migrant workers, women experiencing gender-based violence, and economically disadvantaged communities are particularly affected by systemic inequalities, social exclusion, and limited availability of mental health care. This paper adopts a public health lens to examine the social determinants contributing to suicidal behaviour among these populations, including poverty, discrimination, stigma, and lack of institutional support. Drawing on a clinical social work perspective, the study highlights the critical role of psychosocial assessment, culturally sensitive counselling, crisis intervention, and community-based practices in suicide prevention. It also explores the gaps in existing mental health policies and programs in India, such as inadequate implementation of community mental health services and shortage of trained professionals. The paper argues for an integrated approach that combines clinical interventions with social justice and rights-based frameworks to address structural inequities. Strengthening the role of clinical social workers within multidisciplinary teams and expanding access to inclusive, community-oriented mental health services are essential for effective suicide prevention among marginalized populations in India.
KEYWORDS:Suicide Prevention, Marginalized Populations, Clinical Social Work, Public Health Approach, Mental Health in India, Social Determinants, Caste and Inequality, Gender-Based Violence, LGBTQ+ Mental Health, Community Mental Health.
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Cite this Article:Singh, M. R. (2026). Suicide Prevention Among Marginalized Populations in India: A Clinical Social Work Perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE HUMANITY & MANAGEMENT RESEARCHS, 5(4), 778-791. https://doi.org/10.58806/ijsshmr.2026.v5i4n25