Mental trouble Telephone consultation 34 Group suspends or shrinks New Coronavirus April 20 17:40

Of concern about the effects of the new coronavirus is the risk of suicide among economically sought-after individuals. However, at the time of the interview by NHK, at least 34 private organizations nationwide, who respond to telephone consultations for mental illness free of charge in order to prevent suicide, suspended their activities or reduced their posture due to the infection prevention of counselors. I found out. Each group says, "I need help now, but it's a tough decision."

People who have been economically stricken by dismissal or leave after the last month when the infection of the new coronavirus spread, such as "Life's telephone" which responds to telephone consultations of mental trouble for free to prevent suicide We have been receiving a series of consultations from people who have become more isolated due to self-exclusion.

However, when interviewed by NHK, it was found that at least 34 private organizations nationwide, who responded to telephone consultations for their worries free of charge from the end of last month to this month, are suspending their activities or reducing their posture. It was

The activities were suspended by 15 groups such as Tokyo, Kanagawa and Aichi. Of these, the NPO "Tokyo Suicide Prevention Center", which receives over 10,000 consultations every year, will take at least one month until the 6th of next month. Has decided to suspend activities.

In addition to this, 19 groups are reducing the number of consultation hours and the number of volunteer counselors.

The reason for this is that each group is "to prevent infection of counselors," because there are many elderly counselors who are at high risk of infection, and the environment for receiving consultations in a closed room so that telephone calls are not leaked outside. It is also due to the unique situation of the consultation counter.

In addition, because it is difficult to respond at home to protect the secret of the consultant, each group said, `` There are many people who are deeply worried without going to the people who do not go out and refrain from going out, so we need help now. But it's a tough decision. "