ON AUGUST 7, Sheela Prakash Jivani picked up her four-year-old son Ayush and flung herself—and him—to certain death six storeys down. On Sunday, Suman Shejwad from Chembur, just 25 years old, burned herself to death.
There have been seven suicides in the last 48 hours—Dahisar housewife Seema Patil (22) and student Sunil Salian (18) were the latest on Tuesday.
Thirteen people have killed themselves in August so far, and the month isn’t even over.
As the death toll mounts, mental health professionals say it’s indeed the season for suicide. But why?
With a sharp jump in cases since the July 31 suicide of MTV VJ and model Nafisa Joseph, some experts speculate her actions may have inspired others to do the same.
‘‘After her suicide was splashed by the media, many young patients suggested ending their lives due to failed relationships too,’’ said Dr Anjali Chhabria, psychiatrist.
But a copycat reaction to a high-profile suicide may not be the only culprit. American and British studies have proved people’s moods change as the seasons shift.
During dry and dark winter months, lack of exposure to light leads to a drop in melatonin levels, which can cause people to become prone to depression and suicidal thoughts in a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.
Studies have estimated that 10 per cent of Americans, along with 5 per cent of Australians, Canadians and Britons suffer from SAD.
There are no studies on a similar Indian proclivity, but mental health professionals say that cloudy monsoon days can also act as mood depressants.
‘‘If a person is contemplating suicide, a lazy monsoon week can aggravate the situation,’’ says Freny Mahendra, director of The Samaritans, a suicide helpline.
‘‘There isn’t enough research and awareness on SAD, but for a climate like ours, the presentations of SAD are different and need medication,’’ reckons Dr Rashmin Cholera, consulting psychiatrist at Bhartiya Arogya Nidhi Hospital, Juhu.
How to beat SAD thoughts
Light therapy is the most common remedy suggested for Seasonal Affective Disorder abroad. Victims expose themselves to 20,000-40,000 lux of light daily using special ultraviolet lights
City mental health professionals prescribe long, active walks early in the morning and evening
Journal-writing and meditation
Mood stabilisers
prachijatania@expressindia.com