Citation

Shoib S, Srikanth S, Javed S, Gupta AK, Swed S, Das S. Int. J. Surg. (London, England) 2022; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.ijsu.2022.106933

PMID

36126858

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic came without warning, and it spreads like wildfire bringing the world to its knees. There is no doubt that this pandemic has brought immense psychological stress and affected the mental health of millions across the world [1,2]. Unfortunately, this has resulted in a hugh increase in suicide cases, with numbers exceeding the trends of the past 3 years [3]. With the pandemic now being rampant in India, the suicide rates owing to the pandemic are expected to increase. India is currently experiencing the worst outbreak, with the ongoing 2nd wave of the pandemic. The increase in cases and also fatality rates translate to a saddening tragedy, with hospitals and crematoriums running at maximum capacity day and night. Many states have imposed a lockdown and the absence of social gathering has caused various mental health issues among the people [4]. With rising mental health problems and decline in social well-being, suicide rates have gone up during this pandemic, as the pandemic has caused social and economic fallout, which in turn has led to development of various psychological problems including sadness, frustration, fear, guilt, helplessness and loneliness, which can then lead to suicides [5]. One study showed that there was a 67.7% increase in suicide behaviour during the lockdown period in India in 2020 [6]. The rise in suicide cases is a cause of concern in India as it may have long-term effects on the general population, vulnerable groups and the economy [7].

Altruistic suicide is complex and many factors can contribute to an individual's action of committing suicide. Some of the contributing risk factors of altruistic suicide during this pandemic are summarized...

Language: en