Jamshedpur, Sep 3: The city has witnessed a spike in suicide cases especially during the spread of pandemic. According to suicide prevention centre Jeevan, by the month of July in the year 2021, 155 people ended their lives with their hands. On, an average of 23 people committed suicide every month.
“Out of total cases, 118 people committed suicide by hanging. The spread of Covid-19 in Jamshedpur is having a negative impact on the psyche of citizens. Moreover, rise in family disputes have been the prime reason for suicides,” said an official of Jeevan.
From the month of January this year (Year-2021) till now, Jamshedpur and Adityapur witnessed the highest number of suicide incidents in the months of February and March. Among the people who committed suicide, the number of men was more. The highest number of suicides occurred in the months of February (34) and March (38). After this, this figure decreased slightly in April and during this time 18 people committed suicide. In the month of May, this number increased to 20. There was a decrease in the incidents of suicide in June (16) and July (12).
He said that such an alarming figure reflects the acute mental health and the adverse conditions of society, particularly that of the young generation. All responsible citizens of the town have to wake up and pool their resources to not to leave any stone unturned to improve mental health and to prevent suicides.
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.
J R Jain, director, Jeevan, has written to the deputy commissioner to take immediate action to curb the growing suicides in the city.
Jeevan has been working for stress, depression and suicide prevention for the last 15 years. It is a part of Befriender Worldwide (UK), which has 42,000 Volunteers throughout the world. In India, it is working as Befrienders India. The centre will observe World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 every year, by organising a series of programmes for students as well as for the public to spread awareness on the importance of life.
Jeevan reopens centre
Jamshedpur: Situated at 25, Q Road, Bistupur, suicide prevention centre Jeevan reopened on August 30. The centre is offering face to face befriending too now apart from on calls and on whatsapp every day from 2 pm to 6 pm. Jeevan volunteers are available at 9297777499, 9297777500 (only call), 9955377500, 9955435500 (call or WhatsApp).
