With 110 suicides in just six months, Jamshedpur has retained its dubious distinction as the suicide capital of the State. An increasing number of young people are today falling prey to diseases like stress and depression with life revolving around lockdown due to the spread of coronavirus. This has led to a sudden rise in suicide cases. In total suicide cases 30 per cent of them were youths. In July alone 24 suicides took place. While in nine days alone 16 suicides have been reported.
“As per our study the lockdown has an adverse effect on the people's lifestyle that has caused stress. People are in fear of job loss and reducing earnings. About 30 per cent of youths committed suicide due to financial challenges,” said Mahavir Ram, founder of Jeevan, city-based suicide prevention centre.
Another official of Jeevan informed that though every year on an average 200 people commits suicide but in about six months only the figures have reached 110.
A number of psychological problems such as depression and anxiety are also becoming common in the age group of 20 to 40 years. Amidst lockdown pressure to perform on the professional front, insecure relationships, pressure to meet the increasing expenses of maintaining a hi-fi lifestyle, etc cause a lot of mental turmoil among the young.
Amidst ongoing lockdown in view of corona virus, about 10 people are getting emotional support and physical help from volunteers of Jamshedpur-based suicide prevention centre ‘Jeevan’.
“ Depression and suicides due to stress during the pandemic have increased manifold. Number of suicides is on the rise. All of us have to stand together with those in need of emotional support. We need to give them hope that this phase would also pass shortly,” said J R Jain, director Jeevan.
Jeevan has issued helpline numbers for people in distress and need. People can contact 929 7777 500, 929 7777 499 and 9955 377500, 9955 435 500 from 10 am to 7 pm, every day.