‘The dual pandemic’ of suicide and COVID-19: A biopsychosocial narrative of risks and prevention [Psychiatry Research, 18 November 2020]

Title:

‘The dual pandemic’ of suicide and COVID-19: A biopsychosocial narrative of risks and prevention

 

Authors:

Debanjan Banerjee, Jagannatha Rao Kosagisharaf & T.S. Sathyanarayana Raoc

Published:

Psychiatry Research, 18 November 2020

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7672361/

 

Abstract:

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a new global health threat. By increasing the risk of isolation, fear, stigma, abuse and economic fallout, COVID-19 has led to increase in risk of psychiatric disorders, chronic trauma and stress, which eventually increase suicidality and suicidal behavior. There is limited data on association of pandemics and suicides. Cases of suicides have been rising since COVID-19 first emerged in China. The association between suicides and pandemics can possibly be explained through various models like Durkheim's theory, Joiner's interpersonal theory, social stress theory, biological theories, etc. The frontline workers, elderly, migrants, homeless, socio-economically impoverished classes as well as those with pre-existing mental disorders, substance abuse and family history of suicides are at higher risk. Suicides are preventable and need early detection, awareness and socio-culturally tailored interventions. This narrative review draws global perspectives on the association of suicidality and pandemics, the theories and risk factors related to same based on the available evidence. It also hypothesizes neuroimmunity and immune based risk factors as possible links between the psychosocial vulnerabilities and suicide during outbreaks like COVID-19. Proposed strategies of suicide-prevention, as an integral part of public health response to the pandemic are subsequently discussed.

Analysis of news media reports of suicides and attempted suicides during the COVID-19 lockdown in India [Scholarly Article - International Journal of Mental Health Systems, 3 December 2020]

Title:

Analysis of news media reports of suicides and attempted suicides during the COVID-19 lockdown in India 

 

Authors:

Soumitra Pathare, Lakshmi Vijayakumar, Tanya Nicole Fernandes, Manisha Shastri, Arjun Kapoor, Deepa Pandit, Isha Lohumi, Somidha Ray, Arti Kulkarni & Palak Korde  

 

Published:

International Journal of Mental Health Systems, volume 14, Article number: 88 (3 December 2020)

https://ijmhs.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13033-020-00422-2

 

Abstract:
Background 

Based on previous experience there is justifiable concern about suicidal behaviour and news media reporting of it during COVID-19 pandemic.  

 

Methods 

This study used a systematic search of online news media reports (versions of newspapers, magazine and other digital publications) of suicidal behaviour during India’s COVID-19 lockdown and compared it to corresponding dates in 2019. Data was gathered using a uniform search strategy from 56 online news media publications 24 March to 3 May for the years 2019 and 2020 using keywords, suicide, attempted suicide, hangs self and kills self. Demographic variables and methods used for suicide were compared for suicide and attempts between the 2 years using chi-squared tests (χ2).  

 

Results 

There were online news media reports of 369 cases of suicides and attempted suicides during COVID lockdown vs 220 reports in 2019, a 67.7% increase in online news media reports of suicidal behaviour. Compared to 2019, suicides reported during lockdown were significantly older (30 vs 50 years, p < 0.05), men (71.2% vs 58.7%; p < 0.01), married (77.7% vs 49%; p < 0.01) and employed (82.9% vs 59.5%; p < 0.01). During the lockdown, significantly more suicides were by hanging (64.4% vs 42%), while poisoning (8.5% vs 21.5%) and jumping in front of a train (2% vs 9.4%) (p < 0.05) were significantly reduced. Comparison of COVID and non-COVID groups showed that online news media reports of COVID cases of suicide and attempted suicide were significantly more likely to be men (84.7% vs 60.4%; p < 0.01), older (31–50 years 52.9% vs 25.8%; p < 0.01) employed (91.5% vs 64.3%; p < 0.01), had poor mental (40.1% vs 20.8%; p < 0.01) and poor physical health (24.8% vs 7.9%;11.8, p < 0.01).  

 

Conclusion 

 Increase in online news media reports of suicides and attempts during COVID-19 lockdown may indicate an increase in journalists’ awareness about suicide or more sensational media reporting or may be a proxy indicator of a real community increase in suicidal behaviour. It is difficult to attribute changes in demographic profile and methods used only to changes in journalists’ reporting behaviour and should be further explored. We therefore call upon the Government of India to urgently release national suicide data to help devise a comprehensive suicide prevention strategy to address COVID-19 suicidal behaviour.

Note:

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Stellenbosch University - #Researchforimpact: Campus-based suicide prevention urgently needed at universities

Title:

#Researchforimpact: Campus-based suicide prevention urgently needed at universities

 

Published:

Stellenbosch University, 15 October 2020

http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=7751

 

From the article:

The need for effective campus-based suicide prevention programmes at universities was highlighted in a study conducted by a team of researchers in SU's Department of Psychology and Psychiatry. The research team consisted of Dr Wylene Saal, Dr Elsie Breet, Prof Christine Lochner and Janine Roos, under the leadership of Prof Jason Bantjes.  

 

Data collected from first-year students at SU and the University of Cape Town showed that 30,6% had experienced thoughts of suicide in the past 12 months, while 1,6% had made a suicide plan, and 2,4% had attempted suicide. These rates are markedly higher than those typically found in the country's general population.

Psychology Today, 21 May 2020 - The Silent Pandemic: Depression, Self-Harm, and Suicide

Title:
The Silent Pandemic: Depression, Self-Harm, and Suicide

Author:
Azmaira H. Maker, Ph.D

Published:
Psychology Today, 21 May 2020
https://www.psychologytoday.com/za/blog/helping-kids-cope/202005/the-silent-pandemic-depression-self-harm-and-suicide

From the article:
"Children and adolescents may not be adept at recognizing, expressing, or coping with isolation and with the resulting losses in their lives. As we appropriately and necessarily hold our children in ‘lock down’, children may experience a deep sense of loss of control, powerlessness, helplessness, and hopelessness, all critical psychological markers for depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide."

Note:
The author also lists the danger signs to watch out for that indicate that children and adolescents are suffering deeply!

REPORT (USA) - Ring the Alarm: The Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America

Title of report:
Ring the Alarm: The Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America
[A 2019 report to Congress from the Congressional Black Caucus]

Task Force:
Emergency Taskforce on Black Youth Suicide and Mental Health

Task Force Chair:
Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman

From the Introduction:
"Over the last several years, data has emerged indicating an alarming increase in the suicide rates for black children and teenagers over the past generation. While research as also shown climbing rates for youth from other racial and ethnic groups, this trend in Black youth runs counter to historical data showing lower rates of suicide among Black Americans. It challenges the public perception that Black youth simply do not commit suicide. Additional research about suicidal behaviors has raised questions about whether the path from suicidal thoughts to attempts is well understood in Black youth, and whether we have the knowledge and tools to intervene before the worst happens."

Some facts mentioned:
* Self-reported suicide attempts rose by 73% between 1991-2017 for Black teenagers (boys and girls)
* Black youth suicide rate rose from 2.55 per 100,000 children in 2007 to 4.82 per 100,000 children in 2017.

To read this report:
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/uploadedfiles/full_taskforce_report.pdf