k | ltlaDa transgender , intersex ( LGBTI group ), and prisoners ( Kohlbrenner et al ., 2016 ).
Nature reflects our nature
The COVID-19 pandemic and the nationwide lockdown , enforced since March 24 , are taking a toll on the mental health of people as well as aggravating existing ones . 1,227 people ( 16.5 a day ) across the country ended their own lives during the first 74 days of the lockdown , compared to 5,785 ( 15.8 a day ) in all of last year . According to Umesh Raj Joshi , the Spokesperson for the Nepal Police , as many as 648 women had committed suicide by the 83rd day of the lockdown . Doctors explain that the lockdown and pandemic have changed many people ’ s lifestyles and are triggering fears of contracting the virus . Some have even lost their jobs and are struggling to pay the debt . The increase in economic burden is also believed to be one of the reasons for the rise in anxiety , stress , and depression . Without adequate psychosocial counseling and medical support , the number is estimated to further increase .
Suicide Prevention Initiative in Nepal : - Lately , suicide has become a serious public health problem in Nepal . Suicides are preventable with timely , evidence-based interventions and are the responsibility of civil society and government . Nepal government has formulated Nepal Mental Health Policy 1996 that advocated improving the mental health and mentally healthy lifestyles . That was the only legal document until 2013 . Since it was not enough to bring remarkable impressions as a result , Muluki Criminal Code 2074 included law related to suicide under its Article 185 , which prescribes encouragement towards suicidal activities that should be disallowed . It doesn ’ t have any provision to criminalize and punish people who attempt suicide ( Marahatta Kedar , 2017 ). No one should encourage anyone to attempt suicide or cause any situation leading to suicidal attempts . Any person accused of such an act can be fined up to Rs . 50,000 and imprisonment of 5 years . However , there is a lack of procedural and comprehensive multisectoral national suicide-prevention strategy .
For national responses to be effective , the Government of Nepal should come up with a strategy having concrete action plans and interventions along with the participation of community and civil society . Improvement of the current data-keeping system can be another important step towards preventing suicide . The government should ensure the availability and accessibility of minimum mental health services for all the population of Nepal and prepare optimal skilled Human Resources in the area of Mental Health in order to provide Mental Health Services . Pesticides , the most common means for suicide attempts are sold freely and stored in households in Nepal . An effective national policy that regulates its storage , distribution , and sale like that of Sri Lanka must be adopted . Increasing public awareness and providing effective counseling could be an important practice in suicide prevention . Selfcare along with the support of family , friends , and society plays an important role in suicide prevention .
“ To anyone out there who ’ s hurting , it ’ s not a sign of weakness to ask for help . It ’ s a sign of strength .” -Barack Obama
Hirendra Bista Astha Mainali
Isha Shakya Albina Shrestha Sarana Tuladhar
III Year II Semester Environmental Science
Batch 2017
62 Year Book of Environmental Science