Reports of suicide cases have recently surfaced across social media, mass media, and electronic outlets, with a significant number of victims being women. However, such news often fades quickly with time. Many of these suicide cases have been linked to economic pressures commonly faced by women, particularly homemakers.
Women are frequently burdened with double responsibilities within the household.
They must manage family finances, care for children, and uphold the family’s dignity while often enduring harassment from debt collectors and social stigma.
As a result, they shoulder the heaviest burden when the household economy collapses.
Manager of the Center for Public Mental Health at Universitas Gadjah Mada (CPMH UGM), Nurul Kusuma Hidayati, explained that suicide is influenced by multiple underlying factors, including social, psychological, and economic conditions.
In general, however, suicide cases are triggered by overwhelming life pressures that an individual can no longer manage.
“Extraordinary life pressures can affect anyone, whether chronic or acute,” said the psychologist on Friday (Sep. 19).
Hidayati elaborated that for women, multiple roles, such as mothers, wives, and in many cases, primary breadwinners, can become one of the main triggers.
“The compounded burden of carrying multiple roles may push individuals to a very low point,” she explained.
When these pressures are compounded by social stigma, rigid societal norms, and economic harassment, women’s mental health becomes increasingly vulnerable, heightening the risk of suicide as an extreme way out.
She further identified several primary mental health factors underlying suicide cases. Severe negative stress and excessive anxiety can cause individuals to feel restless, trapped in overthinking, and mentally exhausted, worsening their psychological state.
This is often exacerbated by poor emotional and cognitive regulation, making problems feel heavier and uncontrollable.
“Despair and hopelessness leave individuals feeling there is nothing left they can do or expect to help them find solutions,” she noted.
Additionally, Hidayati emphasized the importance of paying close attention to sociocultural factors in the digital sphere.
Patterns of interaction in the digital world, particularly on social media, can have a significant impact on mental health.
“Copycat suicide (suicide triggered by exposure to reports or information about others’ suicides) has become increasingly likely with today’s uncontrolled flow of digital information and culture,” she explained.
According to Hidayati, suicide prevention requires a comprehensive approach rather than focusing on a single aspect.
She stressed the importance of improving mental health literacy to build greater awareness of one’s own mental state and that of others, enhancing early detection of mental health problems.
Equally essential, she said, is providing access to affordable psychological services and strengthening personal resilience to empower women.
Hidayati also emphasized the importance of eliminating social stigma, particularly by shifting narratives toward empathy and support.
“Media and public figures, especially influential community leaders, play a crucial role in reshaping negative narratives about women and the burdens they carry,” she concluded.
Author: Jelita Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Illustration: Freepik