SUICIDE RELATED RISK FACTORS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Dr. Anand Lingeswaran

Abstract


In India, media and press report frequent suicidal death in the context of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Apart from known sociodemographic, psychological and mental health disorder related risk factors of suicide, a unique, different set of reasons seem to be noted among suicides during this pandemic. Notably, fear of being infected and infecting dear ones, lack of understanding about the disease, fear of isolation, distress from lockdown, boredom from excess time with self, uncertainty of cure, despair of being locked at home and socially isolated, all together compound emergence of preexisting new onset depression, panic, post-traumatic stress, psychoses and substance use. Complicated economic, social, and political instability due lockdown has worsened vulnerability to suicidal behaviours among general population and healthcare workers. Although the long-term evolution of the course of suicide and covid-19 disease is unpredictable, the first few months have identified few unique risk factors and research must work on specific tailored strategies that address these novel risk factors are needed to mitigate suicide now. 

Keywords


Covid-19, suicide, lockdown, pandemic

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References


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