Suicide is not a topic that many people openly talk about, even mental health providers often have a hard time asking patients about their suicidal thoughts, plans, if they have the means to follow through with the plan, and what is their level of intent. But these are very important conversations we need to be having, not just as providers but with our loved ones. I have counseled numerous patients who have attempted suicide and several patients who have had someone close to them commit suicide. 

We also need to stop suicide shaming because this makes individuals even more unlikely to talk about their thoughts and more likely to follow through with them. I can’t tell you how devastating it is to find out that someone you are very close to tell you, “I have thought about every which way to kill myself” or to have it actually happen and feel completely blindsided. Suicide is often a taboo subject due to religious or cultural beliefs. In some countries, suicidal behavior is even a criminal charge so if you’re not successful you can be punished by law. This just exacerbates the idea that reaching out for help is not an option. 

First, I want to talk about statistics in general but also the recent increase in suicides and attempts since the beginning of the COVID outbreak. 

As of 2016 according to the World Health Organization (WHO), Europe topped the chart for successful suicides, followed by Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific, the Americas, Africa, and then Eastern Mediterranean. Globally the rate was an average of 10.6 per 100,000 people but Europe was 15.4 and Southeast Asia was 13.2. Men are also 2-3x more likely to be successful at their attempt but females are more likely to have suicidal thoughts and behaviors. 

 It’s estimated that somewhere between 1 and 1.5 million people die worldwide each year from suicide. It is also one of the leading causes of death for young people. In the US it is the 10th leading cause of death. The death rate worldwide is even higher among the LGBTQ population which is often exacerbated by family and community rejection or internalized homophobia/transphobia. 

 I think it won’t come as a surprise that the suicide rates have increased since COVID-19 outbreak likely due to the increase in isolation as well as the increase in constant anxiety which tends to lead to feelings of hopelessness. The tanking economy, stock market decline, and record-setting unemployment rates are only making it worse. Unemployment is a major risk factor for suicidality. According to Psychology Today, 1 in 3 people who die by suicide are unemployed. In the ’20s the suicide rate was 12.1 per 100,000. When the stock market crashed in 1929 the rate skyrocketed to 18.1 and over the decade following the crash it held steady at 15.4. 

If history has taught us anything, it’s that this is likely to be an issue and we need to be more proactive about having these discussions and taking proactive measures now to minimize the risk. We’ve unfortunately already seen an increase in suicide rates among first responders as well as older adults who are completely isolated due to their increased risk. 

We need to start prioritizing mental health, something that has always been underfunded. In fact, it was until 2008 that insurance providers were no longer allowed to limit mental health coverage and charge drastically more for these services. 

 Prioritizing mental health would include the de-stigmatization of mental health and suicide through various public relations campaigns, programs that could be put into place in communities and schools. It would increase more training on mental health issues for all public service and health care workers including teachers. It would mean providing case management over vulnerable individuals and establishing effective treatment centers that provide long-term care. 

We also need to plan ahead for when the dust has settled from the pandemic. This pandemic has been very traumatic for most of the world and many who have never personally experienced mental health problems will find themselves feeling lost and alone in their feelings. I hear on a daily basis from my clients their feelings of guilt for grieving the loss of simple things such as being able to go to a loved one’s high school graduation or seeing a movie at the movie theatre because they feel “it could be worse.” This is a valid point but that also doesn’t mean that your grief isn’t valid as well. Regardless of what other major life-altering events are going on, we’re all grieving the loss of many rites of passage and daily activities we used to be able to do. Be gentle with yourself and give yourself some space to feel whatever it is you are feeling. 

But if you are feeling more depressed than normal, having thoughts of harming or killing yourself please reach out. Check out my Crisis Resources page for services provided. Go to the ER or call 911 if you feel you cant keep yourself safe. Please reach out to someone, you are not alone. And those of you who think everyone around you is just fine, check in on your friends and ask the tough questions but do not feel like you are the only one who has to carry that responsibility, there are a lot of helpful resources out there and guide you on what to do. 

If you have any questions, have something to add, or want to chat please feel free to do so by emailing me at Colleen@ScatteredPotential.com, subscribe to my blog or my newsletter by filling out the form below. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram