Suicide Awareness and Covid

Hello again! National Suicide Prevention week is next week, and September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. Suicide can be a really difficult topic for people to talk about. Often times, people think that if we talk about it, we are encouraging it. It is actually the opposite. If we talk about suicide, we can identify people who are thinking about it, and help them get the support they need. I want to go over a few ways that Covid has increased suicide rates, as well as ways to help if this feels true for you or someone you know.

One element to Covid that is not being talked about much is the impacts it has on our mental health, including suicidal thoughts. Many people have noticed an increase in anxiety and depression, and asking questions like "when will this be over?", "how much more of this can we take?" in regards to changes made to our lives since Covid hit. The unknowns during all of this automatically create anxiety, and as time goes on, some people are starting to feel hopeless and defeated. 

Other factors include social distancing and not seeing loved ones and friends, not being able to engage in activities we enjoy, financial worry, and social media inundating us with images and news clips that are overwhelming, which can create feelings of despair.

In times of crisis, it is helpful to know how we can help. Here are some ideas of how you can help others and yourself:

Ask how people are doing, especially if you are concerned about them, and let others know if you are struggling
Respond with supportive statements and be present when someone is talking with you about how difficult this is

Prioritize social connection (not social media)- People need to know that others care and that they aren't alone. Research shows that social engagement and connection is a resiliency factor to overcoming depression and suicidal thoughts. 

Plan outdoor activities with others

Schedule play dates for your kids with people who are taking the same precautions as you

Facetime or Skype to lessen the isolation factor.

Try a new activity or do a hobby you enjoy

Try and keep a routine and structure the day for you and your kids

Limit social media and news to only a few minutes a day

Seek therapy and encourage others to do the same

Contact emergency people (police, hospital) if you or someone you know if having imminent feelings of wanting to hurt themselves

Things look different, and we have to figure out new ways to navigate life. This means figuring out ways to limit external sources that cause anxiety and depression (news, social media, constant conversation about the pandemic), but also finding new ways to enjoy life the way it is now (zoom/skype connections, outdoor activities, learning a new skill/hobby).

As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions, or need other ideas of ways to support yourself or someone who might be struggling with suicidal thoughts. 

Thanks for reading and being in connection with me,

Steph