Ian Mausner explains there are innumerable various effects of COVID 19. There have been many mental illness factors such as unemployment, social isolation, financial instability, and many more. People who were already suffering from psychiatric illness are more vulnerable to these circumstances. Studies have shown that there has been a substantial increase in the patient suffering from anxiety and depression associated with a pandemic, namely COVID 19.
Many grown-ups have encountered deteriorating mental health that they attribute to worry and stress regarding the pandemic. Studies have also shown maladaptive behavior and other sufferings such as disturbances in sleep and eating and increased alcohol use in many people. Even social distancing for public health measures has caused social disconnectedness for some. According to research, psychiatric and other mental health treatment can lead to a reduction in suicide risk.
Before the pandemic, many countries have made efforts to reduce the risk of factors that lead to suicide. Due to the pandemic, there is an increase in suicide risk caused by many social, personal, and economic burdens worldwide, says Ian Mausner.
Unfolding events during the first few months of Covid 19
As the virus occurred, people had to face stay-at-home restrictions to curb the virus’s spread. Several factors lead to the risk of suicide, including the deteriorating mental health of the population. It will help if you remain alert to the emerging risk factors that may lead to suicide. These include hopelessness, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, loneliness, burdensome, domestic abuse, and many more. Appropriate services should be for people in crisis, especially for those suffering from new or existing mental health problems. Some steps that can prevent the spread of COVID-19 are testing, quarantine, and mask compulsory in many countries, says Ian Mausner.
Specific suicide prevention strategies during COVID 19
They will target the innumerable ways in which COVID 19 presses on the suicide risk factors. The government is also taking action through adequate resources.
Friends and family must visit those people who are living in isolation. Volunteers should spread messages to make workplaces safe. For alcohol consumption, the government should monitor alcohol intake, and they should also send messages about safe drinking. Media also has a significant role to play in stimulating the importance of mental health support, says Ian Mausner.
Reduce risk for people with mental illness
Restrictions like current time, self-isolation, and physical distancing can increase the psychiatric illness and worsen psychological well-being. Therefore, it is vital to focus on the requirements of people with mental illness or whose mental health is vulnerable. Some of the highly prioritized policy and organizational leadership include
• To get that the telemental health services
• Improve and invest in non-punitive, Community-based crisis resources.
Some of the suicide prevention strategies would reduce the risk and effect of COVID-19
• The inclusion of peer experts and educators in clinical and community mental health programs.
• Healthcare organizations should give necessary and front-line healthcare employees access to mental healthcare without adverse career repercussions.
Large scale outbreaks like COVID-19 have led to many negative impacts. The Covid 19 has not only presented clear threads to the mental well-being of an individual, but it has also led to suicide risk for some. Therefore it is necessary to implement strategies for reducing the risk factors of suicide.
