Mumbai sees rise in cases of depression

The city has seen a spate of suicides recently. The helpline number too has seen a rise in number of calls of people contemplating suicide. Psychiatrists caution people not to ignore the tell-tale signs of those who are suicidal and help them counselled by a doctor.

“In a city like Mumbai, people suffer from loneliness. We are getting at least eight people with suicidal thoughts,” said Dr Harish Shetty, senior psychiatrist, LH Hiranandani hospital.

Dr Arun Vandrevala Foundation which runs a helpline said: “We are getting at least three calls. We follow up with callers and keep counselling them till they are fine.”
Doctors feel that depression and suicidal thoughts are more to do with loneliness.

Dr Parul Tank, consultant psychiatrist at Fortis Hospital, said: “The sudden upsurge in depression can also be because of the festive season when people tend to feel lonely and abandoned. Many people live alone in the city.”

In order to fight depression and stress that ails a majority of people, LTMG Sion Hospital initiated a project to sensitise people like taxi drivers, domestic helps and community leaders against committing suicide.  Dr Shetty said recognising telltale signs can save lives. “Signs like anger on small issues, using words like I am not worth it should not be taken lightly.”