Radha (name change) was working in a home care agency and earning by providing basic assistance to persons with medical problems at home. Now, due to COVID, the agency has almost shut. Also, her family is in a village and strictly told her to stop doing that kind of work. She has not studied beyond 10th but she has to earn and support her family. Radha is under a lot of pressure and getting thoughts of ending her life. she confessed in a helpline call
Rajesh1 Answers
Dr Sailaxmi Gandhi Dept. of Nursing, NIMHANS Expert answered 3 years ago
Appreciate her for seeking help. State that this situation (fear of close contact with sick persons and no job) is global. Assess intensity of suicidal thoughts. If severe, refer immediately to a psychiatrist/mental health facility/emergency service. Remind her about the positives – Education (10th std), basic assistance skills, and a loving family (focus this as anchorage here).
Few tips:
1. Talk with someone in whom she can confide in as this can help relieve pent up stress
2. Distract herself when such thoughts surface by engaging in favourite activities (e.g. listening to music, watching a movie, cooking etc…)
3. Seek further education opportunities as educational institutes will open up gradually (UGC has given options of taking up 2 courses at a time – one regular, one online)
4. GoI is now increasing opportunities for start ups, small scale enterprises; MSMEs like beauty parlor, etc. companies (e.g. Amazon) are giving temporary jobs to help people.
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