The uncertainty brought on by the pandemic has had a profound impact on people’s mental health. Millions of people have lost their jobs; some have lost their homes and even businesses. Not only has it led to increased feelings of anxiety and depression, but also an increase in the suicide rate. A businessman committed suicide apparently over loss in business in Karachi on Wednesday.
According to the details, the businessman was debt-ridden and committed suicide after he failed to pay back Rs 70 million of debt. In this regard, the sources said that the Karachi trader recorded an audio message before he died. In the message, the deceased said that he was neck-deep in debt and was facing financial issues since the COVID-19 pandemic emerged.
In addition to this, in the message, the deceased said that someone is pressuring him to pay off the debt. Additionally, he asked to take care of his wife and children after his death. He said they should not starve to death as he has around eight insurance policies.
Here’s the audio message
He said, ′′I am depressed. Someone has created a lot of problems for me. My wife and children should not die of hunger, just look after them. I have 7 to 8 insurance policies. I have to take money from the people and give it to some. Please look into it and I apologize if I have ever hurt anyone.”
The CCTV footage obtained minutes before the death of the Karachi trader showed that the man entered the house while talking on the phone. And after a few minutes, he committed suicide by shooting in the head.
Moreover, the man has been identified as Asif. Reportedly, he was a resident of Gulshan-e-Iqbal and ran a department store in Phase VIII of DHA. The incident took place on October 1, 2020, on Wednesday.
Investigation has been launched
According to the sources, the police has removed the body to morgue. In addition to this, the police have launched an investigation and said the deceased was Rs70 million in debt.
The COVID-19 pandemic has put the whole world at a war against a pandemic, with a certainty of an uncertain future. It has aggravated higher mental health sufferings including suicidality throughout the world.
Especially, in a developing country like Pakistan, the loss of job and unemployment has a significant on mental health sufferings like depression, anxiety, and stress, which act as the mediators of suicide attempt and completion.
It is immensely important to prioritize your mental health during these difficult times. You can ask someone if they are thinking about suicide. For many, it can be a relief to be asked that question.
In a similar incident that occurred in April 2020, a man tried to hang himself from the ceiling fan using a sheet from the hospital bed. Reportedly, he suffered from depression after the lockdown as his family lived in a house on a rental basis and he was the only bread earner for the family. He committed suicide due to unemployment during the lockdown.
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