Jamshedpur retains dubious distinction as suicide capital, 110 cases reported in lockdown

World Suicide Prevention Day

Jamshedpur, Sept. 9: 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. �

Jeevan to felicitate schools working for suicide prevention�

Suicide prevention centre �Jeevan� in association with Inner Wheel Club of Jamshedpur West will observe World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday on virtual platform. The centre will felicitate schools working for the prevention of suicides. Suraj Kumar, deputy commissioner, �East Singhbhum would be the chief guest and Sheela Ranjan, district chairman Inner Wheel District 325 would be the guest of honour.

 Moreover, Jeevan has organised this year an Inter School Music Video making competition. The topic given was �Working together to prevent stress�.  About 20 top schools have participated. The results would be announced and the three winning videos would be played during the course of the main programme. Mementos would be sent to schools and e certificates would be mailed to students who participated. Fatima Rashid, HOD, Department of Counselling, Universal Education, Mumbai University, would be the keynote speaker.