A shocking case has come to light from Mumbai. Here a 55 -year -old technical expert (engineer) kept himself closed in his flat in Navi Mumbai for more than three years. Only online food order was the only means of contact with the outside world. Anoop Kumar Nair, who worked as a computer programmer, went into depression due to loneliness after the death of his parents six years ago. His elder brother committed suicide 20 years ago. After the death of parents, he remained alone in his family. An NGO was informed about his situation, and social activists of (Social and Evangelical Association for Love) (Seal) entered their house at home -to -school CHS in Sector 24, Mumbai.
Flat was full of dirt
NGO reached the flat and saw that there was a lot of dirt in the engineer’s flat. Nair used to sleep on a chair only in the living room. His furniture looked missing. When he was found, he had an infection in his leg which needed immediate treatment. His neighbor said that Nair was rarely seen opening the door of his flat and he did not even take out the garbage. He said, “We, the members of the society sometimes had to persuade him to help him out the garbage.
‘I don’t have any friends’
The report said that after the death of his parents, some of his relatives tried to contact him, but he refused to talk to him without trusting anyone. Nair, who is living in the Seal Ashram of Panvel, told that he has no friend and he is not getting a job. He said, “At the moment I have no friend and my parents and brother have already died. Due to my poor health, I am not getting a new job. My health is also not good. So there is no scope for a new beginning.”
The ongoing treatment of the engineer
Vijay Shibe, president of the Gharkul Society, said, “He rarely opened his door and never thrown garbage. We tried to help him in small ways and whenever possible, we also provided financial assistance. But we knew that there is some serious disturbance. Local resident Nikhil Marathe, who informed the officials, has given an important role in this way. Everyone needs to be more aware of those living alone around them.
Currently, Nair Panvel is undergoing treatment at the Seal Ashram. Although he is still emotionally weak, doctors and carers have given early signs of improving their health and mental health. In a brief conversation with his carers, Nair said, “My parents have gone, my brother has gone, and I have no friends left.”
What do psychiatrists say
The psychiatrist says that due to the death of a family member, a feeling of loneliness can arise in people, which can be converted into a period of depression, during which the person may be socially isolated. “It is ironic that some citizens in this crowded city become highly alone and depressed, as they are unable to come forward for help. Fortunately Nair was saved, but there are countless people who die inside their closed flats, and their bodies are found several days later.
Psychiatrist Binda Singh She says that this case is very worrying and psychologically serious to hear. If an engineer or other person keeps himself locked in the flat for 3 years, does not match anyone, neither his friends nor parents. This case is related to very serious mental health. There can be many mental reasons behind this.
Potential mental conditions
1. Severe depression:- It is common to be alone for a long time and lack of confidence due to erosion from the outside world and ending interest in life.
In this situation, people start feeling helpless or useless.
2. Social Isolation or Hikikomori syndrome:- This word prevalent in Japan is for young people who keep themselves locked in the room for months or years. External social pressure, fear of failure, or fear of social rejection may be the reason.
3. Self-sacrifice or self-existence situation:-In this situation, the person assumes that he has no one, he is not connected to anyone. This feeling can be the result of mental illnesses, such as borderline personality disorder, social anxiety disorder, or schizophrenia.
4. Trauma or emotional trauma (trauma): A person can also be cut off from society due to any old trauma, such as family problems, breakup, failure in career.
What to do in such condition
- First person’s detail psychological assessment
- Counseling or therapy (eg cognitive behavioral therapy) advice
- Needs drugs (antidepressants or anti-anxiety) in severe cases
- Try to increase social interaction gradually
- Family therapy so that family can also cooperate
- If the case is like Hikikomori, then special intervention program
In such cases, society should also support
Do not ignore such cases, mental health is also as important as physical health. Awareness about mental health in society should increase. Loneliness or depression is not a weakness, its treatment is possible.