World Mental Health Day: Hyd had 2nd highest suicide bids in 2019

HYDERABAD: With 22 cases through the year, Hyderabad recorded the

second highest number

of suicide attempts in 2019 — among all major Indian cities — revealed the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report. Chennai had the highest with 43 cases. State-wise figures put Telangana at the fourth spot in this category with 150 cases of suicide attempt cases reported last year. It was only behind Andhra Pradesh (345), Jammu and Kashmir (290) and Maharashtra (250), the report added.

Reflecting on these numbers, on the occasion of

World Mental Health Day

, experts underline the need for more

mental health

services amid a pandemic as it has pushed many over the edge.

“In many cases, the confinement and isolation during a pandemic — apart from the loss of income and fear — have triggered or exacerbated existing conditions for people ho were already were suffering from anxiety and depression,” explained Dr

Virinchi Sharma

, a city-based psychiatrist stressing the need for attention.

And the statistics of 2020, only further propel that. According to Lake Police, as many as 246 people have attempted suicide in

Hussain Sagar Lake

so far. Even suicide helpline numbers reported heavy traffic.