College students help people suffering from loneliness

Shanmughasundaram.J@timesgroup.com

Chennai:04.04.2020

A group of students pursuing social work course in Ambedkar Arts College has launched counselling service to people in need of help.

Confinement to homes during the lockdown period is causing psychological problems to many. With every passing day, the severity of the situation is sinking in and both government and non-state agencies are stepping up efforts to mitigate stress of the lockdown on people in distress. Denial of freedom to move around and socialise with friends, and in some cases complete isolation from even the rest of the family members, are posing social tensions for many. For alcoholics, denial of their daily dose of liquor is posing problems. Tamil Nadu has already had instances of people under house quarantine showing suicidal symptoms. In one case, a youth under house quarantine ran out to the street naked and killed an elderly person by biting her on neck. In another case, a woman killed her alcoholic husband when he threw tantrums owing to nonavailability of liquor.

Sensing a need to provide counselling to many people on the verge of nervous breakdown, four final-year students have decided to reach out to them said Rajesh, one of them. It would also prove to be a new learning experience, they feel.

Many would drift into past unpleasant memories, caused by a range of reasons like failed relationship and poor academic performance. They would face depression, stress and anxiety once they experience loneliness. Such people need immediate counselling, said Ajith Kumar, one of the students.