Suicide Awareness Month During A Global Pandemic
Over the past seven months, the novel coronavirus has turned the world upside down. From the actual threat of infection to job loss, economic hardships, and mandated closures, COVID-19 continues to create unique challenges for the physical and mental wellness of people across the world. Add to that the continuous coverage of civil unrest that’s being played out on the media on a daily basis and it’s easy to see why stress, anxiety, and depression are on the rise.
Given the state of these current stressors, Suicide Prevention Month has an even greater meaning this year.
Suicide Is Not A New National Problem
In 2020, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that suicide deaths among those ages 16 to 64 had increased to 35% in less than two decades. Now, there are new stressors surrounding COVID-19 that could potentially contribute further to this crisis such as:
• Increased unemployment rates.
• Economic downturn (During the Great Recession, it was observed that there was an
increase in suicide in the United States, Canada, select European, Asian, and Latin
American countries).
• Increasing loss and grief.
• Trauma and domestic violence at home.
• The lingering threat of COVID-19 and ongoing closures and disruptions to “normal” life.
World Suicide Prevention Day
The world has been horrified by the lethality of the COVID-19 disease. Poverty, suicide, and the curve of mental illness will likely result in an increase in mortality unless there is priority given by federal state, and local government, the health care community, advocacy, and community services. Suicide prevention remains a universal challenge. Every year, suicide is
among the top 20 leading causes of death globally for people of all ages.
Everyone can make a contribution to preventing suicide. Preventing suicide requires the efforts of many. Understanding the issues concerning suicide and mental health is an important way to take part in suicide prevention. It’s important to be aware of risk factors that make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide.
• Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain
personality disorders
• Alcohol and other substance use disorders
• Hopelessness
• Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
• History of trauma or abuse
• Major physical illnesses
• Previous suicide attempt(s)
• Family history of suicide
• Job or financial loss
• Loss of relationship(s)
• Easy access to lethal means
• Local clusters of suicide
• Lack of social support and sense of isolation
• Stigma associated with asking for help
• Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
• Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal
dilemma
• Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Ketamine Provides Hope For Treatment-Resistant Depression
Ketamine is being used as a successful treatment for depression. COPE offers Ketamine Treatment for depression at our treatment centers in New York, Charlotte, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Houston. Patients who come to our clinics have tried other treatments to no avail, and are looking for something more revolutionary than the standard protocol.
If you or someone you love is suffering from one of these treatment-resistant mental illnesses, we encourage you to reach out to a COPE supported center near you to learn more about these innovative, effective, evidence-based treatments.