It seems the world is filled with fear, loneliness, and depression in these days of global pandemic. Amid the increasing number of deaths due to the coronavirus around the world, a dramatic increase of those who are committing suicide is also on the rise.
Within Nepal's 74 days of lockdown, over 1,200 people have committed suicide as a way to escape the negativity they are in. One of these souls was Bhagwati, a 38-year-old old mother who lived in Dolakha District, Bagmati Pradesh.
According to authorities, Bhagwati attempted suicide after experiencing too much stress due to several factors during the pandemic. One of the reasons that pushed her to the end of the rope was when her husband lost his job because of the lockdown. Without enough money to pay their family's debts and enough to provide for their family's needs, Bhagwati decided to escape their situation by allegedly trying to kill herself.
She was saved by her neighbors after her kids pleaded for them to help her. She was brought to the hospital but found in critical condition, as reported by the Jakarta Post.
In a post shared by DW, mental health experts are warning people that while it can be very effective in keeping us safe from the coronavirus, isolation and limiting social interactions can cause a mental breakdown in this pandemic. This negativity is made even worse by people's current financial instability, anxiety, depression, enforced isolation, and reduced access to things that could make a person happy.
Experts are already anticipating an increase in the number of people committing suicide around the world. Countries that are struck more by the coronavirus could be more at risk.
Given this reason, mental health advocates are encouraging people to focus more on their mental health during this coronavirus outbreak to alter the increasing effects of this global problem. One way a person can do that is by staying connected with the people they love. Call your friends. Talk to your family over Zoom or any social media platform with video calling features. Maximize the technology for your benefit.
It is difficult to stay positive and almost impossible to be productive during this pandemic, but having a list of exciting routines to follow every day, focused around making yourself happy, is also one of the best things to do. Cook your favorite meal. Learn how to paint or play an instrument. Do gardening or art crafts. Burn the fats by exercising and working out. All these things can be an opportunity to know and love yourself more.
