© EPA
The data from January 15 to April 13 show that 965 had committed suicide, while the number rose to 1,363 in three months till July following the earthquake.
"We observed that people were more insomniac, anxious and had chronic fear," said Dr Saroj Ojha, psychiatrist at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, who had visited Sindhupalchowk for counselling after the earthquake. "However, I should admit our system is yet to reach to as more people as we could. Had we reached these people, we could have saved their lives."
This appears to be a familiar pattern across the world: number of suicide cases spike after a disaster. Studies across the world show that there is increased suicide after floods, hurricanes or earthquakes. The papers basically state that people who have lost their loved ones and property are likely to remain mentally distraught that might proliferate into severe mental illness to a point where they choose to take their lives.
The World Health Organization estimates that 5 to 10 percent of people impacted by humanitarian emergencies will suffer from a mental health condition as a result.
Police data shows that over 4,000 commit suicide each year—which is four times more than people who die in road accidents. A total of 4,332 people committed suicide last year. Apparently more male resorted to suicide and with a majority of them choosing to hang themselves followed by the use of poison.
© kathmandupost.ekantiput.com
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