Column: Suicide rates skyrocket as isolation increases
Suicide is a subject I hold dear to my heart. I have lost friends to suicide, I have contemplated suicide myself, and I struggle daily with suicidal ideation.
The isolation I endure from staying at home during the pandemic almost all the time is as deadly as the virus for me.
This pandemic has taken its toll on people all over the country, particularly young adults. According to a comprehensive coronavirus survey of about 9,000 people aged 18-24, depressive symptoms went from an average of about 27% in May 2020 to about 47% in October 2020.
As of last May, 32% of young adults reported having suicidal ideations. And in October, this number increased to 37%.
According to psychologist Jill Harkavy-Friedman, Ph.D., it will be a while before COVID-19’s true impact on our nation’s suicide rate is known. She reported that one event is not what is making suicide rates increase.
The pandemic is causing stress, but it is for those people who are already in stressful situations that the pandemic is causing more harm.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please immediately seek help. You may seek emergency crisis and referral services through Aurora Pavilion at (803) 641-5900 or through SCDMH Mobile Crisis (833)-264-2274.
