Will we see increased suicide rates post-Covid recession?
Historically, increased suicide rates have been observed following a recession. Dr Adrian James, Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2020 said: “Recessions are terrible news for the nation’s mental health. Debt, unemployment and poverty are linked to higher rates of anxiety disorders, alcohol use, depression, and even suicide.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) stated that the economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic “will have significant consequences for people’s health outcomes in the short and longer term.” However, it’s not known yet whether the COVID-19 pandemic will affect suicide rates.
Past recessions and increased suicide rate
A study by The British Medical Journal (BMJ) 2012 study concluded “that the recent recession in the UK led to about 1000 excess suicides in England: 846 among men and 155 among women.” You can read more about risks of suicide in men here.
Again in 2014, we saw the BMJ‘s startling headline “Economic recession may have caused 10 000 extra suicides.” It read that the 2008/2010 increased rates of suicide were “highly likely to be related to the recent economic recession.”
The Guardian, 2015 wrote “Austerity is a factor in rising suicide rate among UK men.” Academics from the universities of Bristol, Manchester and Oxford estimate an extra 1,000 deaths and an additional 30-40,000 suicide attempts may have occurred after the economic downturn.
While the report shows a correlation between economic turmoil and increased suicide rates, it can’t prove a causal relationship, the researchers note. It can’t prove that the people who lost their jobs or homes were the ones who died by suicide.
Can we predict and prepare for increased suicide rates
Yes, research shows that the best predictor of future behaviour or risk is past behaviour. People with previous suicide attempts are more at risk of completing the act. So now we know this, we can prepare for it, prevent it even, right?
Yes, it’s possible. While the ‘powers that be’ discuss and implement policies and procedures at the top end, we can all take action to prevent suicide. Talking about suicide and staying connected with loved ones are just some of the actions we can all take to help.
Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking them seriously. If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, there are things you can do to help save a life.
That said, a fellow-blogger commented on my post Who is responsible for suicide prevention “No one can stop someone who is determined. My father committed suicide in 1992, I tried for months to get thru to him, he was to far gone.” I can’t begin to imagine what that felt like but I undertstand now that it might not always be possible to prevent a suicide.
If you believe that a friend or family member is suicidal, you might play a role in suicide prevention. Please see follow up post on Warning signs
Over to you
How do you feel about people who chose to die by suicide? Do you think suicide is selfish, something I wrote about a while ago? Would you feel comfortable asking “Are you having suicidal thoughts?”
I’ve had to ask my sons in the past, and the response was devastating, despite all my knowledge and nurse training. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so I look forward to any comments or questions, and constructive criticism.
It’s Suicide Prevention month here in the States.
I know – whole month – wow!
I think the average person would do good to read this article. Because, when it comes down to it, you may not know, without a little help. Good job!
Thank you for your insightful comments, as always Mio. We only have the World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th. I understand that you guys have a whole month of suicide prevention 🙂
It’s something that needs to be talked about. That’s for sure.
I’m glad that you mentioned that being exposed to suicide is a risk factor among the others. I can be hugely influential.
I know, like when a pop idols die by suicide and even if there was about 2-4 suicides in a town, then it almost becomes contagious 🙁
Thank you for sharing such an important and insightful post. 🤗
Much appreciated 🙂
🤗☺️💯💞
Such a comprehensive post and such good information. It’s crucial to keep talking so awareness can be raised and people know they are not alone!!! Thanks for all of the work you do. Covid compounds this issue more than ever as does the sensationalism and trends people have normalized. Good work here!
Thank you Cindy. Yep, like even when we have minor celebs dying by suicide, the media’s out in droves 🙁 Oh, and yes, it’s going to get a whole lot worse due to Covid.
You’re so welcome and sometimes major celebs too. Covid makes everything worse for sure. 😥
I used to talk about wanting to kill myself when I was a teenager, but I think I really wanted attention more than anything. I don’t know if I would ever go that far, at least that’s what I’ve been saying for most of my adult life, but to be honest, the last six months I’ve felt more hopeless and wanting to give up than I’ve felt in a long, long, long time.
You hang on in there Greg, even though life’s tough right now, all we can do is what we can. Just you take care of yourself 🙂
Hopefully not, and anyone who needs support please please reach out don’t dk it
Thank you and yes, hang on in there if you need support peeps.
I think this article is very timely, given that we are in recession and in lockdown as well. Our family support may be far away from us.
You’re right Kally. Many people (including me) won’t have planned for something like Covid, financially or otherwise.
I like to think that people realise that we need our families, and they need us 🙂
Suicide is not selfish. There are so many aspects to it. I have been involved in many initiatives and issues over the years. The best ones over here are “Talk to a Mate” for men (we put posters up in toilets at work and that sort of thing) and the Rural Financial Counselling Service for people who live in country areas. The latter is not just to do with money, but all aspects of life. We also have Beyond Blue here for younger people.
The mortality rate amongst farmers here is staggering. Some key issues are drought and what we refer to as “wild dogs.” I think drought is self explanatory. Wild dogs though more than mess with a farmers mind. It’s the whole community. Wild dogs can in a very, very short period of time wipe out 50% of lambs in a flock. Men have a bad habit of cutting themselves off very quickly. The wives or partners will still keep talking with each other, have cups of coffee and so on. So, it is about that initial connection and getting them men folk to talk and then gentle suggestions re all the wonderful support services out there. Young males and aboriginals (they have completely different issues) in this environment also have high mortality rates. Even this year Caz, I have used a couple of things on your list with two people I know that helped get them in a better place quickly.
My last story is one where I took over as CEO of a local government, several months after an executive had committee suicide. The thing is though, this was in a very tight nit community. They were a popular person, both in the communities and at work. It was even someone I knew off and had contact with over the years. So, this incident is all around you. What shocked me though, was no one had been offered support services at work. It was still very palpable in the workplace. So, I brought in someone I know to take all staff through a process. 99% appreciated it and it did help in a big way close this sad event out.
Yes, we have similar things/initiative here in the UK, which is all very well and good, but I don’t see it promoted everywhere, as it should be. Like you said: toilets, cafes, bars etc.
Again, yes, although we don’t have as many farmers here (I’m guessing) but there’s still high rates of suicide among them. I’m glad you were able to help and support a copule of people Sean, that’s really great to hear, and it’s inspiring and instills hope.
Oh, wow! That’s dreadful and you had to walk into that? You really are a special person Sean, getting someone in to speak with your staff, after this horrendous incident. Well done to you, and you probably helped reduce the anxiety the whole team must have been feeling.
And that’s what every company, every employer, every Manager should be doing. I trained with MHFA England (MHFA started in Australia so I’m sure you know of it) to become an MHFA Instructor and was able to provide this intervention to many companies before I became unwell.
I trained in MHFA Adults, Youth MHFA and MHFA for Armed Forces. Everyone I ever taught in large companies and universities loved it. I think Mental Health First Aid should be used everywhere, just like they have to have ‘normal’ first aiders!
Thank you for that, Caz. It means a lot and we need to value people like you more than we do. Yes, I have heard of MHFA and discussed what they do and the resources available, and yes, there should be Mental Health First Aid everywhere.
Some of the things I have enjoyed organising over the years are cricket matches with local communities and teams sponsored by various health bodies and a men’s health pit stop. The pit stop is quite popular as it is set out like a racing car pit stop etc. I have also been involved in things re the Black Dog Ride and I don’t even hesitate to open the door so to speak when they are riding through and make sure I put on a community get together, BBQ etc.
Your post has made me realise that perhaps I have done a little bit more than I thought in this space.
Thank you for your kind words too Sean. I started my blog some years after I was medically retired and it’s become a lifeline. I actually feel a bit more useful again.
My word Sean, I’m guessing you’re not a ‘health professional’ but you appear have great insight into mental illness. And the way you’ve used this insight and knowledge to promote mental health in every way you have just humbles me. You should be very proud of all the work you’ve done, and I’m sure your wife and kids are too.
You’ve really restored my faith and instilled hope that others will up the baton……… ❤️
Really informative post with lots of relevant advice and tips. As somebody lucky enough to not have been affected by suicide I’m far from aware of the warning signs etc to look out for and how to react to them so posts like this are a great resource to learn from. I hope to never need what I have learned but thank you for sharing anyway…just in case 😊
Thank you Jess, and yes, let’s hope you’re never affected by it. I lost so many patients who died by suicide and, let me tell you, it never gets any easier. x
Sad but I do not doubt the statistics . I’m sure the increase would be similar across the would as well as here in the US.
I do not believe that suicide is selfish. I hate it when people say that. I feel like suicide is someone’s very last resort to escape pain. Very sad.
Yes, the research shows that it is a global problem and that it’s going to get worse 🙁
I agree with you, it’s someone’s last painful and overwhelming struggle.
Such an important post that I’ll definitely be sharing with others.
I don’t think suicide is selfish or selfishly motivated. At my worst, my cognitive distortions had me convinced I was doing everyone else a favor by killing myself. Of course I know that’s not true now, but it felt very real then.
Thanks for sharing <3
Thank you my lovely and I really appreciate it.
Aha, it does feel very real. And yes, I too felt like they’d be better off without me.
❤
Those statistics are sobering. Thank you for sharing resources and tips so that we can be active in supporting our loved ones rather than just hoping the latest hotline solves things for them.
Ah, what a great comment Ceridwen and I agree. People (other than those who have mental illnesses) ought to be supportive and understanding and contacting our policymakers, leaders etc to demand better mental health care.
Most of us are exhausted with our various disorders anyway, and to add the pressure of telling them to contact policymakers etc — that can just tip someone over the edge. Trust me.
We have had train line and roadworks for years now as they’re building a new fast train line and tidying up they area. All through the night, there’s drilling, thumping, screeching and last night, even with the windows closed, a pillow over my head and the t.v. blaring, I could still hear all the noise. I might have well been lying in the road!
I had to fire out so many emails and tweets and it ended in tears. On top of the that, my various pains were keeping me awake, so yes, my suicidal thoughts soon morphed into a suicide plan. I was so frustrated — everything is done online now and I’m having to fill out so many damn forms!
Having a plan frightened me because I haven’t had that for years. I tend to sit in the suicidal thoughts area. I won’t carry that plan out, I’ll sit on it for a while, and until it passes.
Having this ideation and plan also reminds me how difficult having a mental illness is for others. That’s why I blog, hoping that perhaps my writing will help someone in some small way.
I’m so sorry to hear you’re having a stressful time! That does sound frustrating, having to fill out so many forms while enduring constant disruptions to your sleep. I wish I could send you some really good earplugs through the internet. 😥
Thanks for the insight. It has lots of good information. Great awareness!!! Keep it up dear, I love the work you are doing✊❤️
Thank you Chelsea. And between us, let’s all raise awareness 🙂 ❤️
Definitely dear✊❤️
Here is a video on suicidal video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MqlhfAaiB4
Thank you for leaving me this link.
Your very welcome
No and yes. I do not think my dad’s suicide was selfish, we was to far gone with his mental illness. The reasons I want to commit suicide before I lose my memory is selfish. 🙂
I get you on the memory thing 🙂
Great post… I’ve lost a few friends over the years to suicide and yes, I feel comfortable asking anyone if they have suicidal thoughts, including acknowledging my own I have had a few years ago. Asking the question sometimes helps that person not feel so alone.
Appreciate your comments Stella and I understand your “acknowledging my own” as I’ve been there too.
Thanks for important insights. We can never be too compassionate about others and ourselves ♥️
Yep, we need to be compassionate about ourselves – we often forget that 🙂
There are people who fail to see the difference between euthanasia and suicide. Suicide an individual decision sought without any guidance of close relatives, friends or medical professionals, while euthanasia involves medical care personnel and happens after informing close friends and relatives of place and date.
Great points Shaharee, I do think people need to understand those differences and to be more compassionate towards others experiencing suicidal thoughts.