Covid-19 Impact: Rise In Suicide Rates, Mental Health Issues Triggered By Nationwide Lockdown

Anxiety, frustration, panic attacks, loss or sudden increase of appetite, insomnia, depression, mood swings, delusions, fear, and suicidal tendencies, have become quite common during the lockdown.

(Representative Image: Getty)

New Delhi: The outbreak of Coronavirus which has led to a nationwide lockdown has given rise to many mental health issues. A sense of confinement that has settled in people’s minds is giving rise to a series of mental health issues. Suicide rates have gone up especially among those addicted to alcohol or other substances who can no longer access these with ease. Almost seven suicide cases had been reported during the first 100 hours of the lockdown in Kerala alone, after which the Kerala government decided to come up with a ‘Parchi’ system to let addicts access alcohol with a proper prescription from the doctors. Report of a man in UP committing suicide also came up as he missed his wife, who was stuck at her parents’ house due to the lockdown. The lockdown has also led to unemployment or business loss which has led people to suffer from PTSD. Not knowing how they’ll get back on their feet once the lockdown is over has made people anxious. Anxiety, frustration, panic attacks, loss or sudden increase of appetite, insomnia, depression, mood swings, delusions, fear, and suicidal tendencies, have become quite common during the lockdown and helpline numbers have seen a surge in the number of phone calls they receive since the lockdown. People with preexisting psychological issues are unable to receive proper therapy on time or have had to go off prescription medication worsening their condition. The fact that E-prescription does not work is making it difficult to procure medication as chemists are supposed to keep a record of Schedule X drugs, psychological medication fall under this category. The lockdown has also seen a surge in the number of domestic violence cases, the worst affected are children & women who are now trapped inside their home with their abusers. Men who are either unemployed or frustrated about being home often taken to abuse their wives or children. SOS calls have risen ever since the lockdown. The government and many institutions are taking measures to help ease people’s mind, the Psychiatric Society of Goa has launched a helpline that offers free online evaluation and treatment. The government has launched a toll-free helpline number – 08046110007 for those who are facing any distress or mental health issues during the nationwide lockdown. The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS) has also launched a toll free number 08046110007. Aside from this there is a need for e-prescription to made be valid so that those dependent on medication can have access to them.