Only just around a month and a half after Irrfan Khan and Rishi Kapoor’s demise, when the fans had still not got over their shock, was the news of another Bollywood actor ending his life on 14th June 2020. The death of Sushant Singh Rajput, the famous Bollywood actor of recent years has left everyone agape and has put some questions across. He had everything — money, fame and wealth in a very young age. Then, why did he commit suicide? Why such an extreme step? Unbelievable even today, the actor’s untimely death at his Bandra residence in Mumbai has left everyone shell shocked. Soon after the news broke out, the social media were filled with the condolences messages for his family.
Suicide is not a new issue, especially not in celebrity circles. These tragic deaths are also not limited by lines of work, ranging from famous boxers, designers, politicians, sport stars, writers to actors, musicians and entrepreneurs. How shocked is the nation when the news of a celebrity committing suicide is reported in TV channels. As a society, we look up to the people who make a name for themselves in their chosen field. Yet who knows the emotional pain that may lie just beneath the surface of these celebrities that we envy? In many instances, it is not known until after their death that the celebrity who took their own life was a deeply troubled individual. How we perceive them is based on their outward appearance and demeanour, something that is completely inaccurate. This is the takeaway, the lasting message that is so important to understand.Many who struggled with depression — both celebrities and regular folk — are very adept at hiding their interior battles. Does that mean depression is still a social taboo today? The fact that these people — the crème-de-la-crème of our country, in terms of skills, wealth and fame — decided to take their own life, is what needs to be assessed and addressed. The question that crops in our mind is ‘Why would they want to take their own life, when they had everything”? Or, is it because of the lavish lifestyle; is the price they have pay when they are unable to cope? All these thoughts go unanswered.
According to the Indian Psychiatry Society, the number of mental health cases — including anxiety and depression — has risen 20 percent since the lockdown was first announced, mostly attributable to the decline in social activity and restricted movement.
Initially, not many people were worried about the business loss, job loss and income-related issues when the lockdown had started, people thought that the crisis would end soon. But, when lockdown continued and COVID-19 remained uncontrolled, it led to stress; fear psychosis, depression and sleep-related issues in many people.
The outbreak of Coronavirus has given rise to many mental health issues. Suicide rates continue to rise. Almost seven suicide cases were 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. Anxiety, frustration, panic attacks, loss or sudden increase of appetite, insomnia, depression, mood swings, delusions, fear, and suicidal tendencies had become quite common during the lockdown.
An estimated one in seven Indians suffered from mental disorders of varying severity in 2017, a study says. In 2017, 197 million Indians (14.3 per cent of the total population) were suffering from mental disorders, of which 46 million had depression and 45 million anxiety disorder. The scenario surrounding mental health in India has not changed much in 2020. In India, depression remains in many ways a social taboo —- a topic of gossip or a target of ridicule. It isn’t spelt out, until news of a suicide that awareness of the anguish and despair they suffered is revealed.
‘Mental Health’ is not a thing’ in India, nor discussed about. It’s time to speak out, ask, listen and care. There are many observations that show families, friends, and parents don’t want to listen. For instance, if a child goes to his/her parents talking about a mental health issue; it will either be swept under the carpet, or the child may be rebuked or create a more panic situation. In India, parents often go into denial mode when it comes to their child’s mental health, resorting to statements like — “My child has no such problems!” This attitude must go. Parents must understand how fragile their children’s mental well-being is and be proactive in assessing it. Teachers, at the same time, need to be trained in identifying symptoms and patterns of mental issues. A teacher has a great power to bring a positive change in a student’s development. For example, before scolding a child for disruptive behaviour, they must be patient and analyse the reason behind such behaviour. Also, educational institutions must have psychological counselling programs in place to help students deal with their issues in confidentiality and in a comfortable environment. Society, parents, educational system need to join hands for the holistic well being of children. One such step has been taken by the Delhi government by introducing ‘Happiness Curriculum’ in an educational program for students of grades from one to eight in the schools run by the Government of Delhi. Taking inspiration from the curriculum, Andhra Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and countries like Afghanistan, Nepal, and United Arab Emirates are preparing to implement similar programs in their respective regions. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and a subsequent nation-wide lockdown in India, the curriculum is being delivered to students and their parents via interactive voice response calls and live YouTube classes.
