Suicide & COVID19

suicide

Public health events, can cause severe emotional distress. Feeling anxious, depressed, confused, overwhelmed or powerless is common during an infectious disease outbreak and is further exacerbated by uncertainty, financial crisis, and social distancing.  These feelings can impact or even distort our judgment, perspective and problem-solving ability, but suicide should never be the answer.

Thoughts of Hopelessness and suicide are real and need to be taken seriously.  At this time, there is a perfect storm, especially to high risk people; seniors, drugs/alcohol (addicts), mental health problems, physical health problems, or previous attempts...  Please see exacerbating factors, signs, action steps, and resources below;

Exacerbating factors related to Covid-19

  • Loss of status, role, or job

  • Loss of control

  • Major lifestyle change or disappointment related to family, work, school

  • Health concerns

  • Isolation

  • Media consumption

Signs – listen to what they say and observe how they say it...

  • Extreme under-reaction or over-reactions

  • Uncharacteristic affect, moods, or emotional state, unusual calmness, overly emotional, or indifferent

  • Direct statements or an expressed plan such as; “I can take it anymore”, “I’d be better off dead”, “It’s just not worth living”, etc.

  • Actions and behaviors including; giving things away, increased drug or alcohol use, shutting down or withdrawing, severe recklessness, aggressiveness, or impulsivity 

These factors and signs are increased when combined by the following conditions;

  • Drunk or high

  • Access to guns

  • Access to pills or meds

Action Steps

You are not an alarmist if you are concerned about a friend, neighbor or loved one.  And, asking them about their intentions will not put the idea in their head or make it worse.  Practice the words, “Are you thinking about suicide or killing yourself?”

  • Be calm, listen, acknowledge, don’t judge

  • You can’t solve their problems or change their mind - don’t try

  • Don’t make promises, bargain, or negotiate

  • Team up with family or friend, don’t leave them alone

  • call a professional to get help immediately or call for them if you have to…

Do Not Pass Go!

Emergency Resources

  • National Hopeline Network (800) SUICIDE

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255)

  • Hillsborough / Pinellas 211

  • 911 from all areas

Online

Give us a call at 813-434-3639 to schedule an appointment with Chris Long.

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