Virus, winter could be mental health 1-2 punch Black suicides spiked in early lockdown; experts worry as season changes coronavirus in maryland
Maryland GazetteDec 26, 2020
During the early months of the pandemic last spring, experts and doctors worried about the mental health toll of so many losses, from isolation to layoffs and deaths. Some predicted there might be an increase in suicides. Now, in what is believed to be one of the first studies of its kind,
In the study, published Tuesdayin JAMA Psychiatry, the researchers determined that among Black residents, suicide deaths appeared to double the recent historical average in one key period - from
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"This year, closures, economic impact and the number of people in the
Suicide numbersamong Black residents returned to the normal range as restrictions began being lifted, according to the study. Researchers noted while the numbers are small and should be interpreted cautiously, they highlight the importance of identifying high-risk groups early. The study offers more evidence of COVID-19's disproportionate impact on the Black community. According to the
With the number of coronavirus cases continuing to spike, Nestadt said he fears another increase in suicides.On Tuesday,
"We are entering a bigger peak where COVID rates are four to five times higher," Nestadt said. "We need to have more financial support in place, if something isn't done we may see [the increase] again."
The researchers noted that the decrease in suicides among whites was unexpected. They theorized it may have been because white residents may have had a greater ability to do remote work and because they received greater benefits from government relief programs.
Newly elected
He said even trying to get help during the pandemic has been tough.
"People would have [unemployment] applications in for months, they'd wait to speak with someone on the phone for hours, with no one on the other end to answer, and meanwhile bills continued to pile up," said Mosby, adding that there is a stigma around mental health issues in the Black community, which has not helped. He is worried about how difficult things will be this winter.
"This is a tough time. This is the holidays, and people are laid off," Mosby said.
Mosby said he and others plan to dig deeper into this dataand look at other factors including age and gender, so they can target solutions for the city's most vulnerable residents.
The Rev.
"COVID is saying every day, there is a loss of life, someone is sick in the hospital, and you are potentially the victim to this unseen virus," Hathaway said.
He added that in this confusing time, people have a lot of questions, but sometimes lack reliable resources - and that can cause despair. He believes the solution is in how people talk to one another.
"We have to be fragile with our language and interactions," Hathaway said. "How you treat one another during this time is important, you may encounter a victim of trauma and trigger feelings such as 'No one cares about me.' "
Rates of mental illnesses in African Americans are similar to the general population, but African Americans often receive poorer quality of care and lack access to culturally competent care. According to the
But studies have found there are effective ways to help people who have considered suicide - like getting treatment and support.
"COVID is a beast that is changing life as we know it," Wiggins said. "You can't turn on the TV without seeing people who are sick or losing their jobs and are all of a sudden in need of food assistance."
He added: "To say I'm concerned is an understatement."
Although the vaccine offers a light at the end of the tunnel, people will need to continue to observe restrictions until the vaccine is widely distributed, Wiggins said. He emphasized that even though it's trying to be in isolation, people don't have to endure the stress alone: "There are people who are available and want to talk to you."