September is suicide prevention month, and given the dramatic changes in lifestyle necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic, it seems appropriate to address how the pandemic has impacted suicide and suicide prevention. But, let’s first look at suicide prior to the pandemic.
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death among those 10-34 years of age. There were 47,173 suicides reported in 2017. It is estimated that for each suicide, as many as 135 people are affected. Suicide in the U.S. has been estimated at $93.5 billion in terms of economic impact. This is about $300 per person per year. Suicide affects men, seniors and people living in rural areas disproportionately.
As an example, Montana led the nation with 28.9 suicides per 100,000 residents because there are more men, seniors and it is clearly rural. That sounds like Arizona. In addition to a mental health diagnosis, there are other factors that indicate higher risk: A significant relationship problem occurs 42% of the time in suicides, problematic substance abuse is present 28% of the time, a crisis is a factor 29% of the time, physical health problems 22% of the time, and job loss or financial problems 16% of the time. Homelessness is present 4% of the time.
Given these risk factors, it is easy to see how the pandemic could cause a significant increase in suicides. With people required to stay at home, there has been an increase in domestic violence. Clearly, this indicates increased relationship problems and a potential crisis. It has already been found that there is increased substance use during the early stages of this pandemic. Clearly, there are job losses and financial problems that have increased as a result of the requirement for people to avoid restaurants, bars, gyms, travel and services in general. There have been dramatic increases in unemployment and resulting financial problems. Dramatic increases in homelessness could be on the horizon. Physical health problems could result from reduced treatment and prevention because of the strains on the healthcare system, and that is not including those becoming ill as a direct consequence of the virus. There is evidence of chronic illness increases because of becoming infected. Perhaps the most pervasive, yet hard to assess, is the loss of support as we stay at home, cutting us off from significant supportive relationships. We also have a difficult time assessing the impact of anxiety and stress from fear of getting ill for those most vulnerable, and fear for our loved ones. But, most importantly, almost one-half of Americans reported in a survey that the pandemic was worsening their mental health. And there is the rebound of the COVID-19 illness after an initial downturn, dashing hopes of a quick return to normalcy. Hope is an important antidote to suicidality.
Suicide prevention has never been more important and more challenging. The concerned person needs to make the effort to reach out by phone and virtual contacts to those at risk. The National Suicide Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. Those at risk should try to reduce the use of substances and get outdoors and exercise safely. There is help available as our local Community Mental Health providers have rapidly expanded telehealth capabilities; 12 step and other support groups have gone virtual. The WYGC Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) is promoting care by telephone calls to 928-445-5211 ext. 3900, which takes you directly to the CSU. Telehealth is available or you can walk into the CSU or the Windhaven facility 24/7.
Remember, you are not alone. QCBN
By David Fero, Ph.D.
David Fero, Ph.D., is a West Yavapai Guidance Center (WYGC) Foundation Board Member.