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Ep. 004 : Suicide and Global Crisis
COVID-19 and the economic global crisis will likely lead to a rise in suicide attempts. A federal helpline experienced an 891% increase in calls for assistance in March 2020 over the previous year. Knowing this, how we can keep ourselves safe and our loved ones during this trying time?
Historically, suicide and global crisis are linked. Examples can be seen after the Spanish Flu epidemic, the Great Depression, and even during times of war. As a result of COVID-19 and the economic fallout we have seen increases in child abuse, domestic violence and impulsive suicide. While no one is immune to these challenging times, some groups are even more vulnerable.
In This Episode We'll Discuss
- The historical context for suicide and the global crisis
- Evidence that there is already an increase in mental health needs
- Strategies to be better prepared for the mental health challenges ahead
- Targeted info for groups that are more likely to be suicidal
An increase of suicide during a global crisis will not be surprising. We can prepare our society and vulnerable groups to cope more effectively. Each generation experiences major challenges, and history has shown that we can be resilient. Each of us has a role to play in rebuilding for tomorrow.
Resources for this Episode
COVID-19 has had a negative effect on mental health for Americans
Increase in calls to crisis helplines
https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/10/us/disaster-hotline-call-increase-wellness-trnd/index.html
Increase in domestic violence
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/06/world/coronavirus-domestic-violence.html
Increase in calls to suicide prevention hotlines
Suicide by cop during pandemic
Murder/suicide associated with pandemic
https://www.bnd.com/news/coronavirus/article241809146.html
Increase in suicides is expected because of pandemic
Previous epidemics and suicide
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-45097068
Economic affluence and suicide
Resources for vets during pandemic
https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/72856/veterans-multiple-resources-covid-19-information/
Kids dealing with pandemic
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/03/what-coronavirus-will-do-kids/608608/
Child abuse and the pandemic
Trans Lifeline
1-877-565-8860
https://www.translifeline.org/
Trans surgeries postponed
https://transequality.org/blog/surgeries-postponed-during-covid-19
Resources for Native Peoples
https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hblog20200331.659944/full/
Excellent work, Sam and Kimi!
5 stars! Excellent & informative. Liked friendly, thorough formats with resource links available to listeners and Wrap up sections to reiterate discussions. Well done! Looking forward to the next episodes!