Covid is taking a heavy toll on young people in Jamshedpur, who seem to be unable to cope with depression and finding the noose an easy way out.

Statistics provided by Jeevan, a Bistupur-based suicide prevention centre, reveal most of the 29 people who committed suicide in July were in the younger age group, with 25 of them being below the age of 45.

“It’s very sad to note that young people are committing suicide. We understand that the Covid-induced situation is making people depressed and stressed. However, suicide is not the answer. We think that suicide can be avoided through counselling,” said Jeoraj Jain, director of Jeevan.

Shedding light on the methods of suicide, 25 killed themselves by hanging, two by coming under a train, and one each by drowning and self-immolation.

“Hanging seems to be the most common option as far as the method of suicide suggests,” Jain told The Telegraph Online.

According to him, financial crises, family disputes, stress, depression, and for one, a failed love affair, have emerged as the reasons behind the suicides in July.

The number of suicide cases was 16 in January, 10 in February, 12 in March, 18 in April, 20 in May and 30 in June.

The list included people mostly in the younger age group.

Jain said the number of distressed people dialling Jeevan has come down since their helpline numbers are not properly advertised.

“A social organisation has come forward to help us out by distributing pamphlets with our helpline numbers mentioned. The pamphlets are being distributed at general and medicine shops across Jamshedpur,” Jain informed.

During the days after coronavirus-induced nationwide lockdown in March, Jeevan was receiving around 10-12 calls daily.

However, now the number of distress calls has dropped to just 3-4 per day at Jeevan, which operates in collaboration with Tata Steel Foundation and district administration.

Jain explained that people needing help used to call on a regular basis since the helpline numbers were displayed prominently during the lockdown.

“Our volunteers are reaching out to a maximum number of people who need our counselling and help,” said Jain.

Get in touch with Jeevan volunteers on 9297777499, 9297777500 (only call), 9955377500, 9955435500 (call or WhatsApp).