Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, anxiety and depression are rising. There are many concerns being raised about what is being called the “shadow pandemic,” a mental health crisis caused from the Coronavirus pandemic, and suicide rates are on the rise. But together, there is HOPE.

Suicide is Preventable: Ask, Listen & Tell.

Statistics

In the state of Georgia 1 person dies by suicide every 6 hours (State Fact Sheets, 2019).

In 2017, in America:

• 47,000 died by suicide
• 1.4 million attempted suicide
• 3.2 million made a plan
• 10.6 million adults thought about suicide (Preventing Suicide, 2019)

Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native and non-Hispanic White populations are more likely to die by suicide (Preventing Suicide, 2019). Middle-aged White males are more likely to complete suicide (Suicide Statistics, 2019). More than half of all suicide deaths occur by firearm (Suicide Statistics, 2019). Veterans and military personnel, as well as construction workers and people in the arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media field experience disproportionate suicide rates (Preventing Suicide, 2019).

Warning Signs

• Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves
• Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live
• Making a plan or looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun
• Talking about great guilt or shame
• Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions
• Feeling unbearable pain (emotional pain or physical pain)
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Using alcohol or drugs more often
• Acting anxious or agitated
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Changing eating and/or sleeping habits
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast
• Talking or thinking about death often
• Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy
• Giving away important possessions
• Saying goodbye to friends and family
• Putting affairs in order, making a will (Suicide Prevention, 2019)

How to Cope

• Talk with a friend or family member
• Put away firearms, sharp objects, medications, drugs and alcohol, car keys, or any other lethal means
• Eat a meal
• Go for a walk or exercise
• Take a nap
• Do a chore

How to Help

• Foster a safe environment for open dialogue about suicide
• Reduce access to lethal means
• Ask how you can support them
• Provide a referral to appropriate care (mental health professional, doctor, emergency care)

Resources Available

As a reminder, you never have to suffer alone. There are resources available for you.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Georgia Crisis & Access Line: 1-800-715-4225

GMHCN Warm Line: 888-945-1414

CARES: 844-326-5400, Call or Text 8:30AM-11:00PM for Substance Use Crisis Text Line: 741-741

Georgia HOPE

• Call: 706-279-0405 Ext. 149
• Text: 706-847-4871
• Email: info@gahope.org
• Visit: GaHOPE.org
• Contact Us Online

American Foundation for Suicide Preventions: https://afsp.org/

Suicide Prevention Resource Center: https://www.sprc.org/populations

#HOPEisHere

References:

• Preventing Suicide. (2019, September 5). Retrieved April 1, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/suicide/fastfact.html
• State Fact Sheets. (2019, October 11). Retrieved April 3, 2020, from https://afsp.org/about-suicide/state-fact-sheets/#Georgia
• Suicide Prevention. (2019, July). Retrieved April 2, 2020, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml
• Suicide Statistics. (2019, April 16). Retrieved April 3, 2020, from https://afsp.org/about-suicide/ suicide-statistics/