A 60-year-old woman in Bengaluru who was being treated for COVID-19 at a designated government hospital died by suicide on Friday morning, authorites said.
This is the second such incident at KC General Hospital in north Bengaluru, where another suicide had occurred on June 26.
According to a senior medical staff member at the hospital, “The incident came to light early in the morning around 5.30 am. It is unfortunate that this happened, she was on the path of recovery. She had mild symptoms. Two of her sons were also infected and were admitted here. One of them has been discharged already.”
He added, “The woman like others was given psychiatric counselling. We are trying to find out more.”
In the previous incident,a 65-year-old woman had died under similar circumstances in the same hospital. She was also being treated with other members of her family.
In Bengaluru alone, there have been at least four cases where COVID-19 patients have died by suicide, including a police official of Karnataka State Reserve Police.
The first incident was reported on April 27 when a 50-year-old person was found dead at Victoria Hospital.
If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide-prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.
Tamil Nadu
State health department's suicide helpline: 104
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)
Andhra Pradesh
Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930
Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584
Karnataka
Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222
Kerala
Maithri: 0484 2540530
Chaithram: 0484 2361161
Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.
Telangana
State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104
Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200
SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm)
Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.
24x7 Helpline: 9820466726
Click here for working helplines across India.