Jamshedpur, March 12: There has been an abnormal increase in suicide rate in the city, so much so that the suicide prevention centre Jeevan has written to the administration seeking help for the cause.
“ This is cause of great concern for all of us. As against 177 suicides in the year 2019, suicides figure has shot up to 220 during the Corona period of only 9 months from April 2020 to Dec 2020. The average figure has shot up from 14 to 25 suicides per month. In February alone the suicide figure has gone up to 34,” said Jeoraj Jain , director, Jeevan.
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.
In the letter, Jain wrote to Suraj Kumar, deputy commissioner to help arrange massive awareness programs on suicide prevention through electronic and print media . To give wide publicity to the slogans, “Depression is treatable and Suicides are preventable”. At least 100 hoardings should be displaying it, during the week from March 15 to 22. Affected people should seek help from doctors or contact Jeevan for free emotional Support.
The pamphlets, which were distributed by the administration in April – May 2020, should again be printed and distributed, carrying messages and help line numbers of Jeevan.
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.
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.
