Jamshedpur, April 13: 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.
He said that the situation is getting aggravated due to the exponential spread of Corona. Of course, the administration is awake and taking various measures on war footing to contain the spread of Corona. However, the problem of suicides seems to have become uncontrollable, as indicated by the highest ever suicide figure of 38 in March 21. It calls for all out efforts by all those, who care for Jamshedpur and humanity.
Jain went to add that two immediate measures are considered to be essential and effective, for which we need administration’s help. “ Since we cannot conduct interactive awareness programs in physical assemblies due to Corona, we plan to conduct them on virtual platforms. For it, we need a group- audience to be arranged, to reach out to the masses. We need responsible help from the administration to line up various- groups in town as an audience, on a regular schedule basis. Our volunteers will be able to spread the requisite awareness about ways to remain stress-free,” he said.
Jeevan has also helped publicity of helplines on a long term basis through 10 Hoardings, 1000 Posters and 10,000 Pamphlets. 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.