KARACHI:
Since the onslaught of the deadly Covid-19 virus in Pakistan, there have been several media reports linking the increasing rate of suicide with the pandemic. This surge is a marker of the toll that the virus has had on mental health.
The pandemic has disrupted and delayed educational activities and dwindled job opportunities. People have lost their jobs while many businesses have had to close down. All this is likely to have a major impact on people’s mental well-being. Furthermore, people with pre-existing mental illness remain the most vulnerable in such unforeseen circumstances since their treatment may be interrupted and their usual social support and activities may be curtailed. The pandemic has pushed even more people into poverty. This combination of uncertainty, fear and hunger is a dangerous mix, leading to hopelessness — one of the critical factors in the final tipping point for suicide.
Family members and friends are the first point of contact as well as the first line of protection. Therefore, checking on your near and dear ones and asking them how they are feeling is extremely important. Observe SOP’s and visit, pick up the phone and talk, send an inspirational text, contact them via social media and find out if they are doing okay. Let them know you are there and always will be. Let them see the light at the end of the tunnel. Please listen. Please understand. Please care.
Salma Tahir
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, January 28th, 2021.
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