Understanding Suicide Risk and Prevention During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about potential increases in suicide rates due to its economic impacts and social disruptions. While there is a focus on suicide prevention efforts, the exact effect of the pandemic on suicide rates remains unclear. Initiatives such as Suicide Prevention Action Plans aim to reduce suicide rates and address inequalities that may magnify suicide risk. Prior to the pandemic, there were already challenges in suicide prevention efforts, with higher suicide rates in deprived areas and specific age groups. It is important to recognize the potential impact of the pandemic on suicide risk and ensure comprehensive prevention strategies are in place.
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Suicide and the COVID-19 Pandemic David J Hall RCPsychiS Suicide Prevention lead
What is the likely effect of the pandemic on suicide rates? Reduction in wartime (world cups even)? National unity- all in this together Durkheim- Anomie and Synnomie However There is unequivocal evidence that economic recessions are associated with increases in the incidence of suicide (International Handbook of Suicide Prevention) Inequalities magnify risk The timing and extent of this likely rise is unclear Mitigation may be possible making suicide prevention everyone's business, because every life matters
Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2018 Every life matters 20% reduction in suicide by 2022 (from 2017 baseline) making suicide prevention everyone's business, because every life matters
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LEADERSHIP GROUP SUICIDE PREVENTION ACTION PLAN: 1. Establishing the National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group and supporting the development of local action plans. Creating and implementing refreshed mental health and suicide prevention training by May 2019. A coordinated approach to public awareness about suicide prevention. Timely and effective support for those affected by suicide. Improved crisis support services for people in distress. Use of digital innovation to improve suicide prevention. Targeted preventative activity for at-risk groups. Ensuring the needs of children and young people are reflected across all of the actions. Ensuring that data, evidence and guidance is used to maximise impact in and improve service planning and delivery. 10. Developing appropriate reviews into all deaths by suicide. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Full Suicide Prevention Action Plan can be found here - https://www.gov.scot/publications/scotlands-suicide-prevention-action-plan-life-matters/ making suicide prevention everyone's business, because every life matters
Where were we before the pandemic? In 2018, there were 784 probable deaths by suicide in Scotland an increase from 680 in 2017. Suicide deaths were almost three times more likely among those living in the most deprived areas, than among those living in the least deprived. The suicide rate in the 15-24 age group increased from 10 to 15 (per 100,000) from 2017 to 2018 a single year of data should not be over-interpreted The highest rate of suicide occurs in the 35-44 age group for males. The highest rate of suicide occurs in the 45-54 age group for females.
Suicide risk and prevention during the Suicide risk and prevention during the COVID COVID- -19 pandemic 19 pandemic Lancet Psychiatry 2020 Published Online April 21, 2020 https://doi.org/10.1016/ S2215-0366(20)30171-1 making suicide prevention everyone's business, because every life matters
making suicide prevention everyone's business, because every life matters
Potential areas for universal intervention Financial stressors Domestic violence Alcohol consumption Isolation, entrapment, loneliness and bereavement Access to means Irresponsible media reporting making suicide prevention everyone's business, because every life matters
Potential areas for selected and indicated interventions Mental illness- services and providers Experience of suicidal crisis- mental health services and providers Crisis helplines Government resources and initiatives making suicide prevention everyone's business, because every life matters
What do we need to do? Prepare Innovate Prioritise Collaborate Reflect Learn #MHimprove making suicide prevention everyone's business, because every life matters
