Depression claimed more than 400 lives in paramilitary forces in three years

Depression, frustration and anger claimed over 400 lives in the country’s paramilitary forces in the last three years, according to data provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs to the Rajya Sabha.

All these lives were lost between 2014 and 2017, either because of suicide or fratricide, but suicide clearly accounted for a greater number of lives lost. Over 370 personnel from the paramilitary forces committed suicide.

25 paramilitary personnel lost their lives due to incidents of fratricide (an act of killing one’s own forces in times of war or peace). In the BSF (Border Security Force), five personnel lay down their lives to fratricide. Four lives were lost to fratricide in the CISF (Central Industrial Security Force). The CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force), however, did not provide any data related to fratricide, despite several such incidents being reported from within the force.

According to data received from the BSF, 83 personnel committed suicide between 2015 and 2017, while within the CISF, 55 personnel committed suicide in the same period. Over 60 personnel from the CRPF gave up their lives due to depression and anger between 2015 and 2016.

Dr Aruna Broota, renowned clinical psychologist, feels that the difficult postings given to paramilitary forces, the terrain and loneliness are some of the major factors that affect the psychology of the forces.

Speaking to The Sunday Guardian, she said, “The selection process in the armed forces in the country lacks