COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL
| SEPTEMBER 10, 2020 | 11A
Suicide Risk
Factors Heightened
by Covid
Health Crisis
by Kirstin Parmeter MA, QMHP
IOSS Therapist - South Lane Mental Health
E
ach year in September Mental Health Organizations
and Suicide Prevention Organizations attempt to
bring together survivors and allies to promote discussion
and awareness around Suicide Prevention. However, this
year is different in some very big ways. The COVID-19
health crisis has increased risk factors across society,
leading some experts to wonder if numbers for suicide
attempts might increase as has been seen during previous
pandemics. Time will tell, but as a community, it is im-
portant for us to consider how those we care about might
be impacted by increased stress, challenges, and most of
all isolation from their natural supports. With this knowl-
edge, we can reach out to those in our social circles and
help support those among us who struggle with thoughts
of ending their lives.
Here are just a few risk factors that have increased for
many since the beginning of COVID-19:
Economic Stress- The COVID-19 health crisis saw
the closure of many businesses, especially in the food
service industry. Loss of income, complicated processes
required to apply for benefi ts, and fears over future fi -
nancial support have led many to experience high levels
of stress in their daily lives.
Social Isolation- While some welcome increased
isolation, for many connecting socially with others is es-
sential to their mental health. As individuals and families
make choices about safe contact and navigate staying
connected, many are experiencing a real loss of connec-
tion with others. Isolation in the midst of a struggle to
fi nd meaning in living is perhaps the biggest threat to
getting help.
Loss of Community Contact- Our communities help
provide us with routine, connection, and support. Loss
of contact, especially for Students and Senior citizens,
can present a real threat to mental health. For students,
being unable to attend school in person and interact with
school staff and peers who might notice slight changes in
mood, means that there is less awareness and opportuni-
ty for intervention with students who might be struggling
with suicidal thoughts. For senior citizens, especially
those living in retirement or nursing home communities,
the inability to have family visit or to engage with other
residents on a daily basis can have a profound effect on
mental health and depression.
Loss of Religious or Other Community Supports- We
need each other, and our communities often serve as
a real support to our wellness on many levels such as
mental, spiritual, relational to name a few. For many
people Religious communities help provide structure and
meaning to their daily struggles. The loss of this support
can deeply impact a person’s ability to see purpose in
their life.
Barriers to Mental Health treatment- Many during this
time have identifi ed a need for mental health support,
but access to counseling services can vary depending on
personal circumstances. The South Lane area has several
options for low cost and
free counseling. During
this time, most counselors
have made themselves
available by phone and vid-
eo chat. While counseling
may look different since
COVID-19, support is still
available if you need to access a listening and supportive
professional. Information about counseling support in
our community, both through South Lane Mental Health
and community partners, can always be obtained by
calling our offi ce at (541) 942-3939. Let us help get you
connected.
Delayed Care for Existing Medical Conditions or Elec-
tive Surgeries- For many who live with chronic pain and
medical conditions that make daily living a struggle, this
time has been particularly discouraging. While medical
facilities begin to schedule elective and follow-up visits
with patients, for many the COVID-19 health crisis has
meant months of untreated pain and increased emotional
distress.
Social Media infl uences- Quarantine and isolation have
led most people to spend increased time on social and
news media. Events over the past 6 months have led
many to feel distress at the state of society and our na-
tion’s future. This distress, coupled with the absence of
natural supports for mental health, can increase depres-
sion and anxiety for individuals.
Knowing someone who has died by suicide- This is
a big risk factor for suicide and one which can drive a
person to consider suicide as anoption to ending their
distress more seriously than they might otherwise. Over
40% of us know someone who has died by suicide, yet
we rarely talk about it. Let’s work as a community to
change that.
So what do we as caring individuals do to help prevent
suicide in our community, especially during this time of
increased isolation? We check up on our people. Just
as a good neighbor would check on other neighbors
after a storm, we can reach out to those in our life who
we know have been negatively impacted by the above
factors. Each of us knows someone whose circumstances
are refl ected in the risk factors listed above. Consider
making a list of the persons in your life who could use
a check-in, then look at the information and suggestions
provided at https://preventionlane.org/prevention-topics/
suicide-prevention.
If the above factors apply to you, and you have been
struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available
through The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at
1-800-273-TALK (8255), or you can text the word
HELLO to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. If you are a
danger to yourself or others, please call 911 or go direct-
ly to the Emergency Room at your local hospital, where
trained Mental Health professionals can connect you
with the help you need to stay safe. Additional help line
information is listed at the end of this article.
Talking about suicide is uncomfortable, but by having
the courage to begin conversations with those we care
about, we can help reduce the risk of death by suicide.
Not talking about suicide does not prevent it. By talking
about it, we are not putting ideas in another person’s
head. Thoughts of suicide are normal, and some research
suggests that 80% of people have had suicidal thoughts
at some point in their lives. Among attempt survivors,
it’s reported that over 90% regret trying to die by suicide
after the fact. By removing the stigma from conversa-
tions about suicide and depression, we can get help to
individuals struggling to fi nd a reason to remain alive.
When we are honest and courageous in our conversa-
tions about suicide, we create a safe place for help and
healing to occur. This September let’s reach out to those
close to us who struggle. In doing so, we just might save
a life.
Additional Crisis Support Lines:
YouthLine (ages 11-21) text Teen2Teen to 839863 , or
call 1-877-968-8491
The Trevor Project (for LGBTQIA+) 1-866-488-7386 or
text START to 678678
Trans Lifeline (for trans and questioning callers- staffed
by trans persons) 1-877-565-8860
Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 or text 838255 ,
Support for hearing impaired Veterans at 1-800-799-
4889
Senior Intervention Hotline (for persons over 60) 1-800-
971-0016
Kirstin Parmeter works as a Therapist with South Lane
Mental Health, and is a member of the Lane County
Suicide Prevention Coalition.
Thank you to these
sponsors
1144 Willagillespie Rd #32, Eugene, OR 97401
(541) 342-5567
North Douglas
County Fire & EMS
Go W a rriors
& E ag les
PO Box 277
Drain, OR 97435
Work 541-836-2282
fax 541-836-2292
shirleypilley@centurytel.net
“Help, Hope
& Healing
Since 1970”
24/7 Youth Crisis Line: 541-689-3111
Cottage Grove Rural Program Offi ce:
541-767-3823
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