Suicide is Preventable. There's Hope, Help
May 26, 2020
By Inua A Momodu, M.D., MPH, MBA, DFAPA, DFAACAP
Chief Medical Ambulatory Officer/Chairman, Department of Psychiatry, AtlantiCare
We have witnessed and benefitted from those committed to coming to the rescue in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
They saw the signs – increasing numbers of cases, healthcare workers in need of personal protective equipment, and essential workers putting in long hours.
They responded. Individuals stayed home. When it was absolutely necessary to be in public, they wore face masks or coverings and practiced physical distancing.
Companies and individuals provided meals to nourish our staff and other essential workers in New Jersey throughout the nation. They literally switched gears to make us face shields and went from selling Halloween masks to helping us secure PPE.
We all played a role in dealing with COVID-19’s immediate threat to life and well-being, based on what we saw and knew.
Another threat the virus poses is to mental health and wellbeing.
As I’ve previously blogged, lack of connection can contribute to loneliness, which can cause or worsen depression. So, too, can the stresses of life changes.
These include a job loss, financial difficulties, a change in living standards, and loss of a loved one. Any one of these or other situations could lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair, which contribute to risk for suicide.
Those who have been victims of abuse, have stressful jobs, or have terminal illnesses could also be at risk.
Suicide was already the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. And life certainly has changed. In our COVID-19 impacted world, people are experiencing a wide range of stresses, and in many cases, multiple stressors. This puts those who were already at high risk at a higher risk and puts so many more in possible jeopardy.
It is important that we recognize the sometimes subtle signs of those who are at risk. These can include physically withdrawing from others, not sleeping or getting too much sleep, getting one’s affairs in order, or giving away personal items. Those considering ending their life might express that they have no reason to go on living.
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. As history has shown us, the pandemic will have a long-lasting impact on our mental wellbeing.
Just as so many responded to help our essential workers, it is critical that we are all mindful of the mental well-being of others. So too must we continue to do what we can to calm our, and others’ fears.
Detecting symptoms could be even more challenging as we continue to practice the important physical distancing still necessary to contain the virus.
If you or anyone you know is at risk for suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Disaster Distress Helpline is 1-800-985-5990.
This 24/7, 365-day-a-year national hotline is dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any disaster.
Don’t wait for someone to ask for help or to ask for help if you need it. Just as people delivered food to our healthcare workers, so, too should we reach out to others who are struggling to make ends meet.
A meal or grocery story gift card can provide physical nourishment and encouragement. A daily phone call or other virtual check-in might be meaningful for a person who is grasping to find a reason to get out of bed each day.
Physical exercise can lead to better sleep and enhance mental wellbeing. A walk with someone that adheres to physical distancing and masking guidelines or a virtual workout you do together can could boost endorphins and spirits.
Encourage those who are, or have had a relationship with a therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist or other healthcare provider to continue that relationship.
AtlantiCare Behavioral Health is open, safe and here to serve you and your loved ones in person and through our Telehealth virtual visits. If you or a loved one needs help for your mental well-being, call 609-646-9159.
Every life is worth living. Everyone plays a role in suicide prevention.
Suicide is preventable. There is help and there is hope.
