COVID-19 and Suicidal Rates in Nepal: An Urgent Need for Mental Health Interventions

Abstract

COVID-19 has been declared pandemic and public health emergency of international concern. The Government of Nepal has implemented nationwide lockdown to control the transmission of the disease. The imposed lockdown has resulted in travel restrictions to and from Nepal. The lockdown has triggered individual emotions and made people anxious or stressed due to the fear associated with COVID-19 infection and self-isolation. Suicide and attempt to suicide has increased in Nepal during this period. The reasons for increased suicidal deaths during this period can be linked with loss of employment, financial hardship, restriction to social functions and gathering, pressure of exams, loneliness, lack of freedom, fear of infection, alcohol withdrawal, depleted social safety nets, and loan defaults. There is an urgent need of mental health interventions to tackle this public health problem. The principle of social distancing should be advocated as physical distancing in the community level. The tele-mental health programs should be expanded in the peripheral areas of the country to reach the vulnerable populations. The Government of Nepal should focus on implementation of comprehensive mental health program at community level.