We're witnessing a sense of hopelessness: Shrinks

According to psychiatrists, sociologists and NGOs, the cultural and social chaos in the city has led to suicides and violence. Harish Shetty, a city-based psychiatrist said, "There is loneliness, anonymity and alienation in this vast city. People do not have a strong support system. That apart, the government has not done much for suicide prevention. Many helplines are under-utilised. Awareness and counselling is very important. Currently, we are witnessing a sense of hopelessness."

Doctors have also discovered a recent trend called copycat suicide among Mumbaikars. At least five cases of suicide have been reported at Bandra Worli sea link this year. The spot has become a suicide point of late.

"Financial stress, mental fatigue, excessive work pressure, peer or parental work pressure have been the trigger factors in almost all cases. Majority of people who have committed suicide have shown some tell-tale signs, prior to their suicide. These, if recognized in time, can prevent a significant number of suicides. Parents who have attended Suicide prevention workshops have lamented the fact that they were not aware of the 'tell tale signs' and wish they would have been made aware earlier.," said Dr Suleman Merchant, professor of civic-run Sion hospital.

Experts feel that while it is impossible to get into the mind of a person and understand what he/she is going through, they feel that creating awareness and making a person feel good about life by not just professionals but also close friends and relatives can go a long way in helping them.

"We need mental health professionals in schools, colleges and workplaces. We need effective help-lines. Reaching out to a psychiatrist is effective and not a taboo. We need such a professional even in housing societies. It is high time we address the issue and help each and every person, across all age groups and classes, get out of their fears, tendencies, anxieties and frustration," said Hyacinth Pereira.