Shocking! COVID-19 takes its toll; Gurugram records 240 suicides in just 8 months this year  

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the mental health of people in Gurugram. The monthly average of suicide cases has witnessed a spike with as many as 240 persons taking their own lives from January 1 to August 31 this year.

"The increase in the number of suicide cases is a matter of concern and the police have taken up this issue with the state's health and social justice and empowerment department to take remedial measures to prevent suicides. The department will soon organise a workshop on mental health with a specialised doctor to deal with the issue," said Nitika Gahlaut, DCP (headquarter) of Gurugram police.

According to official data, 206 out of 240 cases have been registered under Section 174 of the CrPc at various police stations in the district in just eight months this year, while as many as 34 have been registered under Section 306 (abetment of suicide) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The figure was 37 in the previous year in which the police had filed cases under section 306 of the IPC.

According to the police, the city's upscale locations witnessed the maximum number of suicides. Recently a 94-year-old woman committed suicide by jumping off the balcony of her 15th floor condominium in Gurugram.

In another case, a 25-year-old woman working with a private airline had also committed suicide in Gurugram. Besides, a woman lawyer had committed suicide by hanging herself in her rented accommodation.

Also, a 39-year-old doctor committed suicide after jumping off the balcony of the 8th floor of his building.

"People have committed suicide due to multiple reasons including marital disorder, financial crisis, drug addiction, health issues or illness, unemployment, love affairs, or family disputes," Shweta Sharma, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Columbia Asia Hospital, Gurugram said.

"As many as seven out of every 10 patients since the lockdown have said that they felt suicidal during the lockdown."

This is almost a 70 per cent rise since March. Some other reasons for this rise are working professionals complaining of irregular work hours and stress of work combined with lack of personal space as spouses are working from home.

"Most of them are living in the city away from their parents and families, and lack of physical meetings with friends and family have increased the stress and anxiety levels," Sharma said.