Lockdown, it appears, is clearly taking its toll on the mental health of the people, especially the youth. Mental health related issues are getting increasingly reported. At least three cases have been reported in which people ended their lives unable to bear with the long self-isolation and quarantine.
On Tuesday, a 20 year-old woman, who could not go to her native village to see her newborn niece became frustrated and jumped from an apartment in Raidurgam. The woman was upset at not being able to go to her native village despite many attempts. In another incident in Pahadishariff of the Old City, a 15 year old boy was very unhappy with the containment. When he tried to go out, he was stopped and chided. Upset, he killed self by hanging. On April 17, a youth ended life after his father asked him to stay home. In Bhopal, a 75-year-old Covid suspect identified as Ahuja, ended his life out of fear.
Psychiatrists stay that it is important to ensure that such frustrated people are engaged in conversation. Talking to them and trying to empathise them would wean them away from suicidal thoughts. They say that isolation should not mean loneliness. This is a perfect recipe for disaster, they said.
