The chaos and uncertainty triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the lockdown imposed to contain its spread have led to a significant rise in suicides in the city. According to information provided by city-based suicide prevention centre Jeevan, the average figure has shot up from 14 to 25 suicides per month from April 2020 to December 2020. And the suicide figure for February 2021 was all time high at 34.
J R Jain, director, Jeevan, has written to the deputy commissioner to take immediate action to curb the growing suicides in the city. “These figures reflect very acute mental health and the adverse conditions in society, particularly that of the young generation. We have suggested a few measures to spreading the positive and confidence- building messages like depression is treatable and suicides are preventable, remain connected, share your feelings with persons, who have time to listen in confidence,” said the director.
