There are many situations that can trigger suicidal ideation. What we’ve witnessed in the past is that unemployment, isolation, family responsibilities, and health issues are some of the most common reasons people commit suicide. 

The COVID-19 pandemic is becoming alarmingly serious as it is the direct and indirect cause of many deaths. It’s uniquely confounding variable that is leading to a higher rate of suicide. If history has taught us one thing, then it is to predict future events. When you study an outbreak like SARS, you can get an indication of what to expect. Social distancing, stress, and anxiety became an onerous cause of suicide for the older population. 

“Add to these social factors the possibility of an economic downturn, which may include job loss, and we are looking at a perfect storm of problems that will only exacerbate the deaths of despair that our nation still has not addressed.” – said Benjamin Miller, the chief strategy officer for Well Being Trust.

Hence, this is the time when everyone is vulnerable. Nobody knows what the future holds.

Imagine the headspace of a person who has been laid off, has a family to feed, and has nowhere to go with the imposition of an indefinite lockdown. He has no health insurance and anxiety is peaking. This person is isolated and alone with his thoughts. This is a scary situation to be in as you’re completely lost and broke.  

Thus, as a society, we need to look after one another during this horrendous time. We don’t know what the person next door might be going through, so empathy and kindness are the only two cures that can treat suicidal ideation.

So, understand your social responsibility and play your part!