The nationwide lockdown seems to pressed the panic button for a lot of people.

Distress calls to Jeevan, a suicide prevention centre of Bistupur, are rising manifold.

J.R. Jain, director of Jeevan, said: “Earlier, we used to receive two calls per day. But after March 31, we are getting around 10 calls per day.

The most keenly affected by the Covid-19 lockdown seem to be senior citizens and youths.

While senior citizens are depressed over the empty-nest syndrome, helplessness and worries over existing health issues on top of the Covid-19 threat raging across the world, the youth are fearing job and pay cuts.

They are seeking emotional support from Jeevan which operates in collaboration with Tata Steel Foundation.

A statistical analysis of people who sought help from Jeevan, between March 31 and April 16, indicates the kind of panic. As many as 153 people sought help during this period.

The number of calls from persons with depression, stress and suicidal feelings were 76. Those were followed by 57 calls from lonely senior citizens seeking help for daily or emergency needs. The number of calls for physical help from the incapacitated, other than senior citizens, stands at 20.

“We are trying our best to help the distressed. Our volunteers are on the job to reach out to the maximum number of people who need our help,” said Jain.

The centre has 30 volunteers who have been given passes by the East Singhbhum administration for hassle-free movement across the city.

Jain said that the volunteers recently supplied medicines to a Sonari resident who is aged and bed-ridden, within two hours. The women volunteers also helped out a lonely woman from Kadma with grocery items. The volunteers also arranged painkillers when a senior citizen from Sonari had severe toothache.

“Recently, we received call from an elderly man from Gamharia who wanted us to take him to the hospital for medicine and check-ups,” said Jain. “Two of our volunteers picked him from his residence and taking him to the hospital.

“In many cases, we are also giving contact numbers of psychiatrists of hospitals, including Tata Main Hospital,” Jain added.

Volunteers also coordinated with the nearest medical shop for supply of medicines to the needy and video consultations with doctors.

Jeevan volunteers can be contacted on 9297777499, 9297777500 (only call), 9955377500, 9955435500 (call or WhatsApp).