This year has been the year of numbers: the number of people who have been unfortunate enough to contract COVID-19, the number of people who’ve died from COVID-19, the number of people who’ve lost their jobs or someone they love… there’s no end to the number of people whose lives have been directly or indirectly affected by the virus.
Sadly, there is another number that has risen as a result of living in the time of COVID-19: the number of people at a higher risk of suicide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 40% of U.S. adults in a June 2020 representative panel survey reported struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues as a result of COVID-19. Over 10 percent of those surveyed reported having seriously considered suicide in the 30 days before completing the survey.
So what can you do? The first and best thing anyone can do is check in on their friends and loved ones. In this time of self-isolation, loneliness sets in. While it’s often difficult to recognize the signs and symptoms through a mask and over the phone, just making yourself available and staying in touch can make someone’s day.
It also helps to know the warning signs. Things like a negative self-image, drastic mood changes or behaviors, frequently talking about death or engaging in risky behavior. There are many behavioral and emotional warning signs and risk factors, as well as protective measures you can take, should you suspect that someone you love is contemplating suicide.
For more in-depth information on the common signs to look for in someone you think may be considering suicide, please join our webinar Not on Our Watch: Effectively Managing Suicide Risk. The agenda will include:
- What to look for – the four warning signs of suicide
- Risk factors
- Protective measures
You can join us by registering here.
Should you have more immediate questions or concerns, or you know someone who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, please contact Rosecrance at (866) 330-8729.