COVID-19, Mental Health, and Suicide: What We Know and Helpful Strategies
Authors: Meagan Barrett-Bernstein, Ryan Murphy, Mental Health Commission of Canada
As of February 16, 2021, Canada has recorded over 830,000 cases of COVID-19. National survey data shows that people have been significantly impacted by the pandemic. For certain subgroups—notably, those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, racialized groups, Indigenous people, those with a pre-existing mental health conditions, younger people, women, parents with children under 18, and those with high exposure to COVID-19—the mental health impacts have been even more pronounced.
For those at higher risk for suicide, including 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, Indigenous populations, middle-aged men, and first responders, this impact adds to the mental health challenges they already experience.
A Mental Health Commission of Canada policy brief exploring the potential impact of the pandemic on suicides suggests that, despite the pandemic’s toll on the mental health of many people, it is still too early to know whether suicide rates in Canada have changed. Yet, there are hopeful actions that those in Edmonton can take.
Below are a few strategies that communities and individuals can implement to help reduce the mental health impact of the pandemic and prevent potential increases in suicide:
Promote social connectedness and encourage people to maintain important relationships.
Expand the modes of mental health service delivery to ensure that those who need services can access them with minimal barriers.
Enhance support, particularly for those in marginalized groups, and screen for suicide risk.
Continue to promote safe and responsible media reporting and follow these guidelines on suicide reporting during the pandemic.
Adopt policies that reduce access to the means of suicide and promote safe storage for firearms and medications in the home.
As the policy brief concludes: “While history demonstrates the potential for the COVID-19 pandemic to impact suicide rates, an increase in suicide is not inevitable. With close attention to the risks, the implementation of best practices in suicide prevention, and strong social protection, people in Canada can get through the pandemic without an additional loss of life to suicide.”
Read the COVID-19 and suicide policy brief from the Mental Health Commission of Canada website.