Mumbai: Death because suicide on the Mumbai railroad network in the first seven months of this year (33) has surpassed them in the pre-pandemic period January-July 2019 (21) of 57%.
Nine deaths were reported during the same period in 2020 when some services and entered the station were restricted.
Mental health experts say the high number of suicides is the impact that a pandemic can do to the mental and emotional state of the community.
One reason for a large number of suicides that occur on the train is because they tend to be beaten as an accident in police reports and this translates to be less shy for family members.
Overall, 926 deaths reported on the train this year, around 38% higher than in January-July 2020.
In the appropriate period in 2019, a total of 1,554 deaths were reported.
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In July, a housewife from Ulhasnagar jumped to his death before the train ran in Asangaon, along with his two-year-old daughter.
The police investigation determined that he was harassed by his husband and his in-laws who also doubted his loyalty.
“Examples of domestic violence increases during pandemic,” said Psychiatrist Dr.
Harish Shetty.
“The focus is mostly located in Covid-19 and the fatality produced while the focus on mental health is far less.
Suicide numbers are indicators of silent mental health epidemics.” Data shows that more suicide is reported on the railroad track rather than in West train, and on the outskirts of the city.
The majority of the deceased (78%) is a man.
In April, an engineer who had recovered from Covid-19 developed respiratory problems after that, which was said to have encouraged him to end his life.
CCTV cameras at Dombival Station caught him sitting on the platform for a few minutes before jumping in front of Konark Express.
“In the absence of a clear CCTV record or a strong statement from the motorman or eyewitness, it becomes difficult to establish if death on the train is to commit suicide or not,” said a police officer.
Sometimes, the police or motorms may report suicide as an accident so that the deceased family can find insurance, especially if they do not do well financially.
“Pandemics have caused financial destruction, loss of work, unemployment, and lack of opportunities, which have triggered a feeling of anxiety and depression, helplessness, despair and worthless.
The government needs to involve mental health experts and create a national media campaign to relieve public pressure and offer increased support Mental health as part of a national health mission said psychologist Narendra Kinger.
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