LAUSR

than 2 people are taking their lives every day.6 This 2-fold increase in suicide has been attributed to the growing stress of lockdown in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic in low-income groups.4–6 Many of these lives could have been saved if circumstances were different. Industrial cities in India were hit hard by the prolonged closure, and many individuals, especially those in low-income groups, were out of work for an extended period. Mental health needs, such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and particularly suicide risk, of the low-income population should not be ignored. Prevention of suicide is often possible, and helplines play a key role in intervention strategies. Family and community support systems are increasingly unavailable due to stigma associated with social distancing recommendations, thus interventions incorporating physical distancing rather than social distancing would be effective. Provision of financial and emotional support to affected individuals could reduce rising waves of suicide. Needy individuals should not be deprived of the benefits of social insurance and government aid. There is an urgent need for a national suicide prevention strategy3 in India on a large-scale level, and the World Health Organization suicide prevention taskforce should intervene to reduce suicide rates in the country. Restriction to access of lethal suicide means, emphasis on principles of disaster psychiatry, psychological first aid, and telepsychiatry accessibility are suggested to control the further spread of these visible waves of suicide in India.