COVID-19 DIARIES: Does covid-19 lead to Depression?

Post covid positive man from andheri attempts suicide

This is a story about Mr. Shankar, who resides in Andheri, Mumbai. Shankar lives in a joint family that includes his wife, 5-year-old son, mother, father, and sibling’s family. Shankar is a hard-working businessman who runs a business in the textile sector. Shankar has always been a chill and optimistic guy in the family. He always ensured his family had everything they longed for and never hesitated to help others with their work. As covid-19 hit Mumbai in 2020, it did not seem like Shankar could be optimistic any longer.

Last year as the pandemic began to rise tremendously, it affected many people’s lives and peace. Sadly, Shankar, his family, and relatives were about to fall victim to covid-19 too. In 2020, Shankar witnessed the loss of many of his dear friends and relatives due to the virus. His textile business was making huge losses, and the death of his best friend due to covid-19 put Shankar in significant trauma. He couldn’t keep the calm and optimistic composure he always had and fell victim to alcoholism.

When asked about Shankar’s change in behavior, the relative replied, “He wasn’t the same guy we could rely on in the family anymore. Sometimes he would get soo frustrated with his work that he would leave the house without saying a word.” The relative also mentioned that Shankar always drank on the weekends to relieve his pain and stress. It had been months since Shankar had picked up the drinking habit, and it began to trouble his wife and family members. There were quarrels between Shankar and his wife and even his parents to stop him from being addicted to drinking. While Shankar thought and tried to convince that he had his drinking habit under control, his family members thought otherwise.

In May 2021, Shankar’s health started to deteriorate, and he was tested covid positive. Shankar was then quarantined for 14 days in his apartment, where he had a flat that was kept for rent in Andheri. The fact that he was affected by the virus couldn’t be accepted by him, and he was afraid it’s his time for him to leave his family. During his quarantine, Shankar’s textile business was handled by his associate. The Indian textiles sector being one of the worst-hit sectors due to the COVID-19 crisis led to even more losses to the company, and this news couldn’t keep Shankar at ease. Even though Shankar showed signs of recovery physically, emotionally, and mentally, he was drained due to stress. On the 14th day, Shankar was done with his quarantine and had recovered from the virus. Shankar’s family members were happy for his recovery, but Shankar himself did not feel accomplished. Instead preferred to stay alone in the thought of saving his business. When asked by the relative about Shankar’s quarantine experience, the relative replied, “It was as if he was in prison in his mind reminiscing all the arguments that were taken place because of him and figuring out ways to keep his family happy while being quarantined.”

A week had passed by since Shankar’s recovery, and for the first time, his family noticed him drinking on a weekday. They did not say anything to him as he already had bared a lot during quarantine and the losses made by his business started to affect his mental health. On that day itself, in the evening, the member who told me about this story went to check on Shankar since the other family members were worried about him. Surprisingly, Shankar was nowhere to be found in his room or his quarantine flat. His phone was left behind in his room, but there was no sign of Shankar himself. The member noticed a lift had gone to the terrace, and without any hesitation, the family members rushed to see if Shankar was there. Opening the terrace door, they found Shankar standing at the edge of the terrace staring 14 floors down. They quickly rushed and got him down from the edge, and with tears in his eyes, the only thing Shankar said was, “I wish my family had more faith in me, but it’s my turn now to go.” Everyone was startled hearing these words and wondered what went wrong that they overlooked the suffering that Shankar went through even though they were living in the same house. Shankar’s parents, younger sibling, and neighbors tried to ask him what was wrong, but the man uttered no word.

A month has gone by, and Shankar has been attending online counseling regarding his mental health. The member who shared this story with me said that things are starting to go back to normal as everyone in the family spends quality time with Shankar. The member mentioned, “We are happy to see him smile again and be our knight in shining armor as before.” However, the reason for Shankar’s suicidal attempt is yet unknown, and no one in the family talks about that topic anymore.

The conclusion to the story here is that we need to pay attention to people around us—especially those who look after us and take all the burden on them. People like Shankar sometimes don’t have anyone to let out what they feel. It’s good to treat others the way we want to be treated; it could make someone’s day or maybe yours too. Could it be the stress from his business? Or could it be getting affected by covid that triggered Shankar to fall into depression and think of ending his life?

What’s an important take-home message based on this story?

• A Healthy family always looks out for one another. It’s essential for family members to look out for one another and ensure everyone in the family is not carrying a burden that is not known to the other family members.

• Stop when others tell you to – If Shankar noticed that he was turning into an alcoholic, he should have listened to his wife and parents that advised him to keep his drinking habit in control for his well-being.

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Disclaimer:

The story is interpreted in the form of an article based on narration received by one of the members of Shankar’s family, who does not wish to be named. The name ‘SHANKAR’ is also a namesake name, as the member does not want to hurt the emotional sentiments of the family if they happen to read this article anytime in the future.

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