A study conducted by Jeevan, a Jamshedpur-based suicide prevention centre, has revealed that mental health of individuals has taken a turn for the worse, with the situation likely to aggravate in the days to come.

The study is linked to the rise in number of suicide cases in the steel city. Experts at Jeevan fear that the stress level of people will increase in the second wave of Covid.

A total of 38 individuals committed suicide in March and 34 in February, 18 in January 10 in April so far.

Of the total of 100 deaths in over three months, 65 were men below 45 years of age, 25 were both men and women aged above 45 and rest were teenagers.

“Mental health of people in the 25-45 age group is not in good shape. This age group is feeling depressed and the feeling of non-performers is sinking in this age group. Unemployment and family problems have also effected them, which consequently lead to suicidal tendencies in them,” said Jeevan director Jeoraj Jain.

Speaking to The Telehgraph Online, Jain informed their study was based on interaction with people suffering from depression and suicide notes.

“People approach our volunteers with complaints of feeling depressed for not being able to perform. Pressure of unemployment and family problems also form part of interaction. Suicide notes also point to similar issues,” he added.

According to Jain, they think people will continue to become victim of depression in the second wave of Covid. “The second wave of pandemic does not paint a very positive picture to say the least. We fear more people would become victims of depression,” the Jeevan director said.

He advised people to develop a positive attitude in life and always think about the best.

“Spreading awareness among people who have suicidal tendencies is the best way to help them out. I have requested the East Singhbhum deputy commissioner to help us advertise Jeevan’s telephone numbers on hoardings at different parts of the city,” Jain said.

People who need counselling are not able to contact Jeevan volunteers as its phone numbers are not available to most.

”The posters and hoardings, which were put up at some localities, including Kadma and Sonari, are either damaged or some other advertisement has come on top of them,” said Jain.

He said it was a good sign that the number of students dying by suicide was not very high.

“We are organising a programme `Pariksha ka bhoot ko bhaga do’ via zoom on April 17. “Our experts, school principals and parents would be part of the programme. Around 25 schools of Jamshedpur are expected to be part of the event,” Jain said.

According him, reaching out physically to people for counselling was not possible in Covid times.

“We plan to conduct awareness sessions at 12 community centres run by Urban Services wing of Tata Steel will now take place via zoom,” Jain added,

People can reach Jeevan volunteers on: 9297777499/9297777500 (only call), 9955377500,9955435500 (Call or Whatsapp).