Whether the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic influences suicide rates in older adults remains unknown. Nevertheless, experts suggest a convergence of risk factors for suicide, which may uniquely impact the elderly.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month and one goal is to help provide information on suicide prevention programs and resources. Although it is important to focus on suicide prevention every day of every year, given the challenges of 2020, this year it may be even more important.
Anyone else feel like you are constantly navigating new life territory due to the COVID-19 pandemic? I do! At every turn, it seems there is a new question or decision, and it is draining my energy at record pace. In just the last month, I’ve decided to try doing a staycation instead of a trip for our family vacation, how to safely attend important graduation events, canceled a planned visit from a loved one in California, and realized that I’m just not ready to send our three-year-old daughter back to preschool in a few weeks. Another big decision for all of us amidst this pandemic is whether to wear a mask in public or not.
Feelings of fear and anxiety related to the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can inadvertently lead to social stigma due to lack of knowledge or misinformation about how COVID-19 spreads, a need to blame someone, and fears related to the disease and death.