Innovations in suicide assessment and prevention during pandemics

Connor TA Brenna; Paul S Links; Maxwell M Tran; Mark Sinyor; Marnin J Heisel; Simon Hatcher

doi:10.17061/phrp3132111

Public Health Research & Practice (Sep 2021)

Innovations in suicide assessment and prevention during pandemics

Connor TA Brenna,
Paul S Links,
Maxwell M Tran,
Mark Sinyor,
Marnin J Heisel,
Simon Hatcher

Affiliations

Connor TA Brenna: Postgraduate Medical Education, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Paul S Links: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Maxwell M Tran: Postgraduate Medical Education, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Mark Sinyor: Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Marnin J Heisel: Lawson Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
Simon Hatcher: Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17061/phrp3132111
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 31, no. 3

Abstract

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Emerging evidence, based on the synthesis of reports from past infectious disease-related public health emergencies, supports an association between previous pandemics and a heightened risk of suicide or suicide-related behaviours and outcomes. Anxiety associated with pandemic media reporting appears to be one critical contributing factor. Social isolation, loneliness, and the disconnect that can result from public health strategies during global pandemics also appear to increase suicide risk in vulnerable individuals. Innovative suicide risk assessment and prevention strategies are needed to recognise and adapt to the negative impacts of pandemics on population mental health.

Published in Public Health Research & Practice

ISSN: 2204-2091 (Online)
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Country of publisher: Australia
LCC subjects: Medicine: Public aspects of medicine
Website: https://www.publish.csiro.au/pu

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