Don’t bottle up emotions

While facts are still grey about what made Sushant Singh Rajput end his life, depression seems to be the reason. If depression was the killer, it shows how important it is for society to have a conversation about mental health. We must let go of the stigma attached to the health of our minds. We all wear big smiles to show the world how happy we are, all the while isolating ourselves. And the descent into depression continues. We have all been there at some point in our lives. Don’t bottle up feelings. Share your stories on social media. Try therapy. Sometimes just speaking to someone who will let you process your emotions, without passing any judgement, is exactly what the doctor would order. If you take your own mask off and start to show your true face: happy, sad or miserable, the chances are your example will inspire others to do the same. And hopefully, we would get rid of the shame attached to mental health issues.

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Angad B Sodhi, by mail

Suicidal tendencies

Actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s suicide has left everyone shocked and wondering what goes wrong with such visibly perfect lives. Why does one have the need to look perfect? The reasons are many factors like genetic makeup, environmental programming, early childhood experiences and personality disorders. Also it is not always about being weak. Clinical depression is as serious a killer as cancer. It is wrong to call it an act of cowardice because it is beyond a person’s control. We do not know what were his reasons, and whether it was even depression. But we know that suicide is not a one-day happening. It is a slow process that forces a person to take such a step. We need to be more aware, sensitive and vigilant towards signs around us and reach out to those who are actually beyond the capability of even seeking help.

Sonie Sidhu, via mail

Corona capital

Delhi turning into ‘corona capital’ is shocking. On the one hand, Arvind Kejriwal claims the readiness of a large number of beds for patients, and on the other, there is mismanagement by the Delhi Government. Only beds won’t do. Where are the required doctors, nurses and the other staff? The lethargy in filling vacancies of medical staff is the biggest drawback in such situations. Even bodies being shoved here and there is a sad commentary on the working of the authorities. CM Kejriwal threatening the overburdened doctors is another minus point in his working style. All must join hands. Non–corona patients are suffering because no one is attending to them. This is inhuman. Hospitals must attend to every patient.

Devinder Garg, Chandigarh

Assist doctors

It is ironic that the public in Delhi enjoys egregious freebies and the doctors and health workers, on a tightrope, go without salaries (‘For the doctors’, June 15). When corona numbers in Delhi are exponentially rising, the government, Centre or state cannot afford to look the other way. It is vital to focus on PPE kits, safety, salary or even strategies to keep them de-stressed in these hard times. SC’s intervention is laudable.

Sylvia Malik, Jind

Check on pvt hospitals

The coronavirus disease is spreading across the country at a rapid pace. The shortage of vital equipment like PPEs to protect healthcare staff from catching infection is a matter of grave concern. Among all this chaos, private hospitals are taking advantage — overcharging patients and refusing admission and treatment. The government must ensure that private hospitals fall in line.

Karishma Meena, Chandigarh

Easy for liquor buyers

The Punjab Government has put restrictions on the movement of the public on Sundays and public holidays, but liquor vends are open even after 8 pm on Sundays. The police question people who are out for urgent work or are visiting religious places. But people going to purchase liquor are moving about freely. It means one can give the excuse of buying liquor to venture out. Those who need liquor can purchase the stock well in advance. The government should reconsider its orders regarding the opening of liquor vends.

Sukhdev Singh Minhas, Mohali

Locust attacks

The locust menace has spread over a wide area of western and central states of India in the midst of the pandemic. Locusts can migrate over large distances, and being a voracious feeder, can destroy a large crop area in seconds. In response to environmental stimuli, they can form dense swarms. The livelihood of one-tenth of the world’s population can be destroyed by it. As rain is conducive for their survival, locusts migrate to India at the onset of the monsoon, and are able to fly up to 150 km daily. Farmers must be given remuneration as crops will be facing dangers of attack.

Amarjit Tanda, Sydney

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