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By APD writer Rishika
**New Delhi, June 16 (APD) ** - The suspected suicide of a famous 34-year-old actor has turned the country’s attention to mental health during lockdown.
Actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his house in Mumbai on Sunday morning, the police suspect it to be a case of suicide.
Following the news of his death, many actors and film personalities voiced their concern on mental health and depression during the lockdown.
Many used social media to reach out and share their thoughts. Actor DeepikaPadukone, through her Instagram account said, "Talk. Communicate. Express. Seek help. Remember, you are not alone. We are in this together. And most importantly, there is hope."
While, his co-star Anushka Sharma, said, "I'm so sad and upset knowing that we lived in an environment that could not help you through any troubles you may have had.”
According to a study, since the lockdown over 300 “non-coronavirus deaths” have been linked the distress caused by the countrywide lockdown.
The study further states that,“80 people killed themselves due to loneliness and fear of being tested positive for the virus.”
“The suicides are followed by migrants dying in accidents on their way back home (51), deaths associated with withdrawal symptoms (45), and those related to starvation and financial distress (36),” it added.
Suicide and depression have been a cause of concern world over since the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the Indian case is said to be different than the Western countries like the UK and the US.
A news report published in the BBC, quoted Dr SoumitraPathare, the director of Centre for Mental Health Law and Policy, explaining the difference.
He explained, “Research data says that in UK and Europe, depression accounts for about 80% of suicides. But data from places like India show that there are many other reasons that someone will take their own life."
"For instance, suicide is the number one cause of death in younger women. Many are impulsive and we have found that domestic violence is a major cause. Similarly, exam pressure among children under 18 is a leading cause, and of course there are economic causes like those that cause farmers to take their own lives in rural India," he added.
According to the national mental health survey, in India poor people with low income are most vulnerable to depression and other mental disorders.
Meanwhile in the UK, studies have pointed that middle-aged men from poor economic backgrounds are more susceptible to depression and suicide during the lockdown. The group has also been identified as the least likely to seek help in this time.
Studies assert that in the US, financial and personal worries during the lockdown could cause depression and anxiety among the people.
In India, the lockdown started in March. Overtime the country has been divided into zones and relaxations have been given accordingly. However complete or partial lockdown remains in different parts, as fear of community transmission and second wave of the pandemic looms large.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
