Kathmandu. Lately, cases of self-immolation have been increasing in the country. A serious debate has started on mental health, social responsibility and the role of media after four cases of self-immolation were reported in different parts of the country in the last seven days.
Of the four incidents, three died while one is undergoing treatment in critical condition. Psychiatrists say it should be seen not only as a result of personal problems but also because of mental health, social environment and exaggerated news in some media.
July 25: Nepali’s self-immolation in front of the Passport Department
On July 9, 25-year-old Ganesh Nepali set himself on fire by pouring petrol on his body in front of the Passport Department in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu. He succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at Bir Hospital. The incident drew widespread attention across the country.
July 2 7: Another self-immolation attempt in Buddhanagar
Similarly, 45-year-old Ashwin Raut died after he tried to immolate himself at his home in Buddhanagar, Kathmandu.
July 30: Mandal died in Sarlahi
Bibek Mandal, 42, of Gaudaita municipality in Sarlahi had attempted self-immolation. He succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment on July 30. Though further investigation into the incident was underway, police said it was primarily related to personal and social problems.
Meanwhile, the latest incident took place in Rautahat. Gautam Kumar Sahani, 28, of Garuda Municipality-9 in Rautahat district attempted suicide by pouring petrol on his body and setting himself on fire.
According to the police, Gautam, son of Devendra Sahani, might have taken the step due to domestic reasons or some other reason.
Deputy Superintendent of Police and Information Officer Basanta Gautam said Sahani’s sub-throat area has been burnt to 31.5 percent in the fire. He was immediately taken to Better Nepal Hospital in Garuda after the incident. He was referred to Kathmandu for further treatment after primary treatment, according to the Area Police Office, Garuda.
His condition is said to be moderate and his father is involved in treatment, police said. According to the police, the injured youth was on medication for mental illness and might have consumed alcohol at the time of the incident, police said. Further investigation into the incident is underway.
Psychiatrist Dr. Dr. Gopal Dhakal has said that it should be linked to the ‘copy-cat effect’.
Stating that self-immolation is only a means of suicide, he said that sensationalizing an incident increases the risk of imitating it.
According to him, although an average of 20 people commit suicide every day in Nepal, various studies have shown that the chances of adopting one medium increase if it is given excessive publicity.
“People who are contemplating suicide can emulate the sensationalism that makes an incident sensational through news, video and social media time and again,” he said.
Dr. According to Dhakal, it is necessary to follow the media guidelines prepared by the World Health Organization (WHO) while disseminating news about suicide cases. He suggested that the news should provide information about mental health, prevention measures and support services rather than prioritizing the method, location, scene or details of the incident.
He said that many people who are contemplating suicide are looking for some way or the other, and the incident that is widely discussed in the society can be a means of emulation for them.
“People who are contemplating suicide are trying to figure out which way to go. At the same time, if one incident is over-publicized, it can affect them,” he said.
According to him, this effect can be especially seen in children and adolescents. He said that the media should adopt more sensitivity as the incidents that are in the limelight, spread widely on social media or much debate can increase the tendency of curiosity and imitation among them.
Dr. Dhakal said that the recent incidents have further highlighted the need of expanding access to mental health services, providing timely psychosocial counseling, support from family and community, and responsible communication practices.
He stressed on the need to disseminate news giving priority to the issues as to why people end up in such situations, how they can be prevented and where to seek help to the people in distress rather than sensationalizing such incidents.
Taking mental health as the major issue of public health, the state needs to further strengthen effective prevention programmes, expansion of counselling services and public awareness campaigns.
प्रतिक्रिया दिनुहोस्
