Techie Shuts Himself In for 3 Years Alone
In a city bustling with millions, a heartbreaking story unfolded in silence behind the closed doors of a flat in Navi Mumbai. A 55-year-old man, once a computer programmer, cut himself off from the outside world for over three years, battling depression and grief alone.
A Life of Isolation
Anup Kumar Nair, a former tech professional, lived alone in his Juinagar flat in Gharkool CHS, Sector 24. According to neighbours and rescue workers, he had not stepped out in years. His only interaction with the outside world was through online food delivery apps.
Eventually, a concerned citizen alerted the Social and Evangelical Association for Love (SEAL) a non-profit organization known for its humanitarian work. Their team entered Nair’s flat and were shocked by the living conditions. The apartment was littered with human waste, and Nair himself was found sleeping upright on a chair, as most of his furniture had been removed over time.
Grief Triggered a Downward Spiral
The roots of Nair’s isolation appear to lie in a series of personal tragedies. His father, a former employee of Tata Hospital, and his mother, who served in the Indian Air Force, both passed away within the last six years. He also lost his elder brother to suicide nearly 20 years ago.
Following these losses, Nair gradually withdrew from society. “He lost trust in people and refused to connect with anyone,” said Pastor K M Philip, a representative from SEAL. The team also discovered that Nair had developed a leg infection that required immediate medical care.
When a person loses loved ones, they may go through a normal grieving process. But if the emotional pain persists, it can lead to major depression characterized by hopelessness, worthlessness, and social withdrawal. Also, untreated depression can impair daily functioning and even lead to self-neglect, as seen in Nair’s case.
Warning Signs Ignored
Neighbours noticed that Nair rarely opened his door and never took out his trash. Vijay Shibe, the chairperson of the housing society, shared, “We had to request him several times just to take out the garbage. Even transferring his parents’ fixed deposit to his account took persuasion.”
Despite these warning signs, help came late. Nair is now under care at SEAL’s ashram in Panvel, where he is receiving both medical and psychological support.
Conclusion
This case highlights the critical importance of mental health awareness and community vigilance. Depression often goes unnoticed until it causes serious harm. If you or someone you know is withdrawing from life, not responding to communication, or showing signs of self-neglect, don’t ignore the signs. Seek help early intervention can save lives.
It’s ironic. In a city as crowded as Mumbai, many individuals live in complete emotional isolation. Nair was fortunate to be rescued in time. But others die in solitude, discovered only when neighbours report a foul smell days later.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
