The Real Epidemic in America
National Suicide Prevention Line 1-800-273-8255
I am overwhelmed by the number of patients coming in to my office to seek care for addiction, anxiety and depression. The suicide rate has sky rocketed. The coronavirus pandemic has hit our country in ways we have not even begun to understand. We are suffering a suicide epidemic in America due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic.
Today we will be discussing:
- We are suffering a suicide epidemic in America due to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
- The real epidemic in America
- The huge rise in suicides
- COVID-19 causing high stress, severe anxiety and depression
- Who is most at risk of mental health issues leading to suicide during coronavirus pandemic?
- The symptoms of suicide risk
- The warning signs of suicidal ideation
- Suicidal ideation signs and symptoms
- What to do If you are in crisis
- Coping with the loss of a loved one due to suicide
- 4 ways to reduce risk of suicide
- What are the promises of God?
If you would like to experience the love of God in a deep and abiding way, we invite you to watch the Great News for You video on this page. May God bless you and keep you.
Huge Rise in Suicides
We all hear about the tragic loss of life on the news and know of co-workers, friends and family members that are ill with COVID-19. Many others are dealing with the financial impact having lost a job, been furloughed or had to close their business. Others have endured isolation from family, friends and church members. This has lead to a huge rise in suicides.
The impact on the country’s mental health has been astronomical and we as physicians need to be on the front line asking the right questions and educating our communities about strategies to identify at risk people and share successful interventions.
We are suffering a suicide epidemic in America due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic.
COVID-19 Causing High Stress, Severe Anxiety and Depression
We are suffering a suicide epidemic in America due to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In 2018, more than 48,000 Americans died by suicide. The rate has increased 35% since 1999. In recent studies 53% of those surveyed rate their stress as moderate to severe. Currently in the US 16.5% of individuals report moderate to severe depression and 28.8% report moderate to severe anxiety. The sale of alcohol is up 55% since the start of the pandemic. Alcohol related deaths in people age 18-34 have risen by 69% in last 10 years.
This pattern of increased mental health issues and suicides was seen in the past during the Spanish Flu in the early 1900’s and during the Great Depression. Researchers think social isolation, fear of contagion and financial hardship contribute to worry and stress that impact our mental health. One study predicted that the pandemic could lead to an additional 75,000 additional deaths from suicide, alcohol abuse and drugs.
National Suicide Prevention Line 1-800-273-8255
Who is Most at Risk of Mental Health Issues Leading to Suicide During Coronavirus Pandemic?
People that have history of psychiatric conditions, COVID 19 survivors those under significant emotional distress are all at increased risk of suicide.
Symptoms can include:
- anxiety
- feeling overwhelmed,
- feeling burned out and frustrated,
- excessive worry and fear about relationships, job, finances or illnesses.
Important warning signs for other to watch for are:
- talking about suicide
- getting a means to take life-like buying a gun
- withdrawing contact
- mood swings
- preoccupation with death, dying or violence,
- excessive use of alcohol or drugs
- risky behavior
- saying goodbye
- giving away belongings
- feeling trapped or hopeless
National Suicide Prevention Line 1-800-273-8255
Suicidal Ideation Signs and Symptoms
Remember what suicidal ideation looks like – a feeling of defeat or humiliation followed by a sense of entrapment or no exit. Some people will voice that they “feel absolutely alone”, that they just “want this to be over” or they just “can’t do it anymore”. When a therapist, physician, friend or family member hears “this is how I am thinking of doing it “, please take the person seriously.
Interventions that work include social media campaigns to promote mental health and reduce stress, employers addressing burnout and providing counseling services, suicide prevention hotlines and mental health services on-line. We are suffering a suicide epidemic in America due to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
National Suicide Prevention Line 1-800-273-8255
If you or a friend is suffering I encourage you to contact a pastor, talk to a physician or reach out to a friend or family member if you are thinking about suicide. There is hope!
What To Do If You are in Crisis? Suicide Prevention
In Christ we have a new inheritance and power over sin. In Romans 8:1-2 he promises:
There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:21
- A counselor can help you develop a plan to protect you from Satan’s grasp and prevent suicide.
- You can have a list of emergency phone numbers including friends, relatives, therapist, doctor, church, pastor, crisis hotline and suicide prevention hotline to use if you are in an emotional crisis. They can help you in recovery and treat depression or anxiety. They will work step by step to help you discover God’s peace through prayer, reciting scripture, claiming God’s promises, listening to Christian praise music, and develop your identity as a child of God. They will teach you to make positive affirmations, to explore negative thoughts, avoid impulsive behavior and align your choices with God’s will for your life.
- Get Help!!!
- Get a physical check up with physician
- Seek a trained counselor, therapist or Psychiatrist
- Call a minister/pastor/priest
- Contact the Suicide Crisis Center in your community
- Make arrangements for hospitalization or go to the emergency room if these steps have not helped and you are considering hurting yourself.
Coping with the Loss of a Loved One Due to Suicide
For those of you coping with the loss of a loved one due to suicide we grieve with you! The COVID 19 pandemic has already taken too many lives.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.
Psalm 57:1.
4 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Suicide
We can all work together to reduce the risk of suicide.
- Stay in touch with neighbors, church members, family and friends.
- Watch for signs of depression or anxiety.
- Encourage others and ask them if you can pray for them.
- Don’t ignore the warning signs for suicide or escalating substance abuse, act now! We are suffering a suicide epidemic in America due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic.
What are the Promises of God?
God Loves You!
John 31:6
You are Never Alone!
Hebrews 13:5
My Hope Comes From the Lord!
Psalm 130:7
God Brings You Peace!
John 16:33
God is the Source of our Joy!
Galations 5:22
God Takes Away Your Anxiety and Worry!
Philippians 4:6-7
If you would like to experience the love of God in a deep and abiding way, we invite you to watch the Great News for You video below. May God bless you and keep you.
