SUICIDE RATES AND COVID-19
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SUICIDE RATES AND COVID-19
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“Multiple lines of evidence indicate that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has profound psychological and social effects. The psychological sequelae of the pandemic will probably persist for months and years to come.”
Before we get into the science-y information about the effect of COVID on suicide rates, let’s remember who our God is and what He does:
GOD IS ABLE . . .
ABLE to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us (Eph 3:20)
ABLE to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work (2 Cor 9:8)
ABLE to help those who are being tempted (Heb 2:18)
ABLE to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them (Heb 7:25)
ABLE to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy (Jude 24)
ABLE to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day (2 Tim 1:12)
“Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied. . . . “According to your faith let it be done to you.” (Mt 9:28-29)
Don’t be discouraged by the news. Focus on what God promises instead.
The psychological impact of COVID-19
A number of studies have been performed to examine the effect of the COVID-19 crisis on the mental health of the general population, health care professionals and individuals with psychiatric disorders. Wang et al. examined psychological responses during the initial stage of the COVID-19 epidemic in the general population in China. The authors found that 53.8% of 1210 respondents rated the psychological impact of the outbreak as moderate or severe, 16.5% reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms and 28.8% reported moderate to severe anxiety symptoms. Qiu et al.7 performed a countrywide survey that included 52 730 people in China during the COVID-19 epidemic and found that about 35% of the participants had psychological distress. This is consistent with the results of a recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey indicating that 45% of adults in the USA report that their mental health has been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over the coronavirus.
Suicidal behavior in the COVID-19 era
Social isolation, anxiety, fear of contagion, uncertainty, chronic stress and economic difficulties may lead to the development or exacerbation of stress-related disorders and suicidality in vulnerable populations including individuals with pre-existing psychiatric disorders, low-resilient persons, individuals who reside in high COVID-19 prevalence areas and people who have a family member or a friend who has died of COVID-19 (Figure 1). Individuals with pre-existing psychiatric disorders include not only patients who are treated by mental health professionals but also a very large number of people with psychiatric conditions who do not receive psychiatric treatment. For example, an international study that included the data from countries in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia showed that the median untreated rates for schizophrenia, major depression and alcohol use disorder were 32.2%, 56.3% and 78.1%, respectively. Community epidemiological research in the USA shows that a majority of individuals with mood disorders are either untreated or undertreated.
Anxiety and fear of contagion during the COVID-19 crisis may be related to uncertainty, fear of unknown and panic-inducing stories in traditional and social media. Repeated exposure to reports about the COVID crisis can intensify anxiety. Worries and fears cause various mental and physical symptoms and may lead to the development of anxiety disorders, depression and sleep disorders. Studies suggest that the relationships between insomnia and depression and insomnia and anxiety are bidirectional. Sleeplessness contributes to symptoms of depression and anxiety and contrariwise, symptoms of depression and anxiety disturb sleep. Sleep disturbances are a stand-alone risk factor for suicidal behavior. . . .
The impact of economic problems related to the COVID-19 crisis on mental health may be severe. Millions of people around the world lost their jobs. Measures required to contain the virus, including self-isolation by workers and consumers, shutting of plants and stores and prohibitions on sports and entertainment events are detrimental for economy. Historically, economic downturns were associated with mental health disorders and suicides. Studies observed that increases in the unemployment rate were associated with higher prevalence of depression, alcohol and other substance use disorders and suicide deaths. Both perceived job insecurity and unemployment constitute significant risks of increased depressive symptoms in prospective observational studies. In the USA, suicides increased during the Great Depression. Suicide mortality peaked with unemployment, in the most recessionary years, 1921, 1932 and 1938. Suicide rates also increased in other countries during the Great Depression. For example, Varnik reported a rise in suicide death in Estonia in the early 1930s. Reeves et al. observed that almost all European countries have experienced rising suicide rates during the 2008–10 recession. The authors estimated that, in total, there were at least 10 000 more economic suicides during the recession in the European Union, Canada and the USA than would have been expected. Economic decline during and after the COVID-19 pandemic will probably have a powerful and harmful effect on mental health and result in an increase in the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and suicidal behavior. It is important to note that financial problems may reduce access to psychiatric treatment.
There is a high probability that the COVID-19 survivors especially survivors who had severe COVID-19 are at elevated suicide risk. Stressful experiences such as learning about the diagnosis of COVID-19, fear of infecting others, symptoms of the illness, hospitalization, especially admission to an intensive care unit, and loss of income may lead to the development of anxiety, depressive and post-traumatic stress disorder. A recent study in China indicated that 96.2% of recovering COVID-19 patients had significant posttraumatic stress symptoms. Around 50% of recovered patients remained anxious after the 2003 SARS epidemic in Hong Kong. COVID-19 infection is associated with neurological conditions including acute ischemic stroke, headache, dizziness, ataxia and seizures. A recent review of the impact of the COVID on the brain show that neurological conditions are present in about 25% of the COVID-19 patients. Many recovering COVID patients have physical symptoms including pain for a long time. Neurological disorders such as ischemic stroke, headache and seizures are associated with suicidal behavior.47 Physical symptoms, especially pain also increase suicide risk. . . .
There is a high probability that suicide rates will increase in many countries of the world. This problem may be especially difficult in the US. Suicide rates have been steadily growing in the USA over the last two decades.50 From 1999 through 2017, the age-adjusted suicide rate in the USA grew 33% from 10.5 to 14.0 per 100 000.50 For women, the rate grew 53% from 4.0 in 1999 to 6.1 in 2017. For men, the rate grew 26% from 17.8 in 1999 to 22.4 in 2017. If suicide rates increase in the USA, it will add to the trend of rising national rates of suicide. An increase in suicide rates may become a significant public health issue in other countries.
(Excerpt from Oxford Academic. By Leo Sher. Photo from Dreamstime.)
What do you think about these recent statistics? Comment your prayers and thoughts.
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God is the Answer to this COVID-19.
In a recent study by Derek Prince, the “key” to effective prayer is widely left out of the western church. The parallel verse he spoke of are in Matthew 6.
Matthew 6:5-6 “5“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
Matthew 6:16-17 “16 “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,”
Surely there is a “spirit” of murder which has been released upon America for the lives aborted in the womb on a daily basis. The church has been apathetic in their prayer lives. Don’t get me wrong–there are many good praying soldiers who pray against abortion; however, it is the “corporate” fasting that no longer exists for the majority of evangelicals today. God has convicted me greatly over this issue, as I have a title at my church of being a “prayer warrior”. It saddens me as I have rarely fasted and “humbled” my soul before God, but yet receive this title.
God help us all. The history of this nation lies in the hands of the church–this is our responsibility. God has changed the course of history many times in scripture simply because “one” humbled themselves before Him.
Nineveh in the Book of Jonah was spared the judgment of God that would have equaled Sodom and Gomorrah for over 100 years because they heeded the warning of the prophet. The entire nation humbled themselves by fasting and praying and God spared them.
Esther humbled herself and called upon the Jews of Persia to also fast and pray. God spared the entire Jewish race and reversed the edict given by the King of Persia, due to the fact they humbled themselves by fasting and praying.
Ahab was the most wicked king of all of Israel, according to scripture. He allowed himself to be overcome by his wife, Jezebel, and led the nation into idol worship and wickedness. Elijah the prophet declared God’s judgment on Ahab and told him he and all his sons and daughters would surely die. Ahab, the most wicked king of Israel, fasted and cried out to God. God spared him and moved the hand of judgment to a later generation.
If the church in America would do as 1 Chronicles 7:14 mandates, the very first thing God requires in order to heal our land is to “humble” ourselves. God does not humble us–he requires that of us. One Biblically mandated way to humble yourself before God is to fast. It is all throughout scripture. But this must be done individually for our individual wickedness and just as importantly, this must be done corporately in the church.
Most churches fear the topic of politics. They will not go there on this subject because they fear man more than they fear God.
I am not sure that everything the paper produces is correct. I think some of it may be lies of the devil to
to keep us in this panic mode. I know that some people are very sick because of it – but out God is merciful one will keep praying! However, only you the God of us all know what is going on and I will stand for the God of miracles.
Father God,
All of this prognosticating about future suicides and mental health issues is according to man’s wisdom and very limited knowledge.
But You, O God, are able to turn things around suddenly. We pray for Your divine intervention in individual lives and in nations throughout the world.
We want Your truth and Your power to be recognized, but most of all we want our beautiful Jesus to be exalted and honored as people receive and bow to Him only.
In His holy name I pray let it be so.
“Multiple lines of evidence indicate that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has profound psychological and social effects. The psychological sequelae of the pandemic will probably persist for months and years to come.”
I am trying to understand what the author means by this, but it is my belief that this statement isn’t accurate. Covid-19 isn’t responsible for the increased rates of suicide. Our government’s response to “containing” or “mitigating” the virus by imposing lockdowns, physical distancing, etc. is what’s creating feelings of isolation, fear, and despair in so many. Even Christians are struggling with these emotions, yet we are able to lean into God for comfort, knowing that while we may be separated for a time from our loved ones, He is always with us. But for those who are without Christ, they are turning to alcohol, drugs, pornography, violence, etc. to ease their fears and feelings of isolation and despair, none of which can help. God created us to live in community and connection with one another–not as islands unto ourselves. We encourage, exhort and lift up one another through community and connection. We hold each other accountable through community and connection.
Father, in the name of Jesus, impart wisdom and discernment to our elected leaders to enact policies that are humane, policies that respect our humanity and need of fellowship, policies that honor you and your Word and your divine plan for us. For it is You that has made us and not we ourselves. Your design and intention for us is always what is best. Let us learn to acknowledge you in all that we do rather than depend on our own wisdom. And for those who are hurting emotionally, who feel alone and isolated, help us to reach them with the good news that you love them, that you sent Jesus to set them free and that although they may feel alone at this time, You are ever present with them.
“Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” Psalm 51:12
I agree with you. The real problem is not the virus it is the unprecedented lockdown.
Every year we deal with flus and diseases which will cause the deaths of people and they don’t cause widespread mental disorders.
No one is exempt from being depressed and committing suicide, not even the rich and famous. I pray that many more people will receive Christ into their lives and come to know Him. Only He can mend broken hearts and able to calm our fear. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
None of my prayers are answered. None.
Hi Newsgirl,
I am praying for you that you will hear from God. I have felt many times in my journey the way you are feeling now that God isn’t hearing me or answering my prayers. And the current time, in which we live are particularly challenging, even for believers. When I was younger and struggling with feelings of aloneness and depression, believing that even God had deserted me, my mother pointed me to Psalm 73, Psalm 121, and John 17 to read and meditate on.
Years later, whenever I feel discouraged or forsaken and there are times that we all feel this, I read those and mediate on those verses. John 17 is my favorite as it Jesus’s prayer for us. As I read it, I hear his voice speaking the words over me, comforting men and reassuring me that He keeps his promises and He is always with me. I pray that Jesus’s words comfort you also to persevere. I also encourage you to share your feelings with someone you trust: a friend, relative, your pastor, a Christian counselor. When you’re not getting a breakthrough in prayer, it can help to have someone pray with you or guide you in your prayers.
“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Hebrews 10:35-37
Our Father in heaven,
Holy is Your Name. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
We thank You that we can pray 24/7.
Please forgive our sins as we forgive others who sins against us.
Father God, suicide means living away or without You. So many people who were famous and had money to live comfortably have committed suicide. Robin Williams is the one person, I could not understand Why he did it. Robin Williams was famous, quite rich and he looks happy because he is just so funny. I believe what he was lack is FEAR THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM therefore he cannot LIVE A GRATEFUL & FRUITFUL LIFE.
In America it is just so easy and just a phone call away to receive the free Grace that Jesus Christ offer.
Please Father, do not let the Devil take that away from us. Father God, please ignite the Holy Spirit in all of us, the Body of Christ to draw near You so that we can live a grateful and fruitful life.
Father, equip, mobilize and use the adult and mature Body of Christ all over the world to minister to the baby Body of Christ so that together we can slow down even stop the increasing suicide rates. Father God, let us be reminded and do 1 Corinthians 13:
1 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.
11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.
12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Because that is Your commandment in John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
In Jesus name we ask You to bind demonic principalities of witchcraft, hate, and division that keep America from loving one another.
Keep us humble and always put our trust in You forever.
Thank You Father for You Are FAITHFUL, OMNIPRESENCE, OMNISCIENCE and OMNIPOTENCE.
You Are the ONE and ONLY LIVING GOD that can see human soul, heart and their intention. Your power is beyond our understanding. Your Holy Spirit is in us teaching us to walk according to the path that You created for us before the foundation of the world.
We love You, Father.
Thank You for loving us first. For Yours is the glory forever and ever.
May the grace of the LORD Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be upon us all from today onward.
In Jesus’ holy, mighty, majestic, and matchless name we pray, Amen.
A few weeks ago I was beginning to feel the results of isolation and wrapped myself in a blanket laid on the couch, mind you it was 90 degrees out, I said to the Lord ” Lord I have to get up”. So I went over to my table opened my Bible, turned on my ipad to the Book of Isiah and I followed along as it read for me. after going as far as I wanted. I opened up a commentary I like to read and I noticed that spirit of heaviness was lifted. I believe that if the same power in the reading of God’s Word that saves also has a healing power for our body, soul and spirit. I have found that His Word is better medicine than a pill, a doctors recommendation or even the counsel of a friend. He is the friend that is closer than a brother. I’m so grateful for His presence in my life and to Him be all Glory for who and what I’am today.
Lord You are the Giver of life. You have brought people into the world for a purpose and it is not so people can take their own lives. God please call people to You and away from the influences of darkness. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lord God, we weep for those who are suffering and we mourn for those who have lost loved ones and have lost hope. Your Word reminds us that You collect our tears and that one day You will wipe every tear from our eyes. Lord, You alone are faithful and You alone are sovereign. We recognize the great sifting that is separating the sheep and the goats. Help us to stand firm and to go about the work You have entrusted to us…to share the Truth of the gospel and eternal salvation through Jesus Christ! We love You, Lord and we ask these things in Jesus Name!
this is as scary as watching the news/social medias battles about the COVID FIGURES. i KNOW THAT IF i GET THE VIRUS AND DIE, I’LL BE IN HEAVEN, BUT NOT WANTING TO GET IT ADDS TO ANY ANXIETY ABOUT FURTHER COMPLICATIONS like keeping on the caps. sorry.
I’ve copied and will use God is able to further my faith and encourage others with His word. God’s blessings
Pat, God has not given us the spirit of fear. The media is there to “exact fear” and sadly its working but what’s all the more saddening is many Christian’s have bought into the fear and are crippled by it.
We are supposed to be light & salt. But most Christian’s are anything but what God called is to be. We have taken God out of the equation and fear mere man over Almighty God.
The fear of man brings a snare. When will “IF My people, who are called by My name” …step up to the plate pull off the masks and push back as hard as satans minions are?
Covid sadly people have died and you must realize the numbers from the constantly lying media are not accurate. And do they even report those who have recovered? I think not because it doesn’t fit their evil narrative. Who’s report will you believe God’s or mere men??