Ohio deaths by suicide exploded in past decade, and landmark study says could worsen due to coronavirus pandemic isolation

Cleveland.com ^ | July 6, 2020 | Evan McDonald

[CheshireTheCat]

A group of Ohio agencies on Monday released detailed, localized data on a suicide crisis that has intensified throughout the 21st century and which experts fear could be exacerbated by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic...

Suicide deaths have risen precipitously in Ohio, increasing by 34 percent over the 10 years from 2009 to 2018. Nearly five people die by suicide every day in Ohio, and men account for almost four out of every five suicide deaths, the study says.

The data is particularly notable amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Cleveland Clinic reported a concerning drop in suicide-related emergency room visits once the pandemic struck, and healthcare experts have raised alarms that prolonged periods of isolation and rising unemployment could lead to a long-term mental health crisis...The coronavirus could also increase the risk for older Ohio residents, who already account for the largest share of the state’s deaths by suicide. Individuals in those older demographics may be more isolated because they are also considered high-risk for developing severe symptoms if they’re infected with the coronavirus, experts said.

“We know they’ve got the highest rate of death by suicide, and they’re pretty much sitting in the bullseye for the coronavirus,” said Joan Englund, the executive director of the Mental Health & Addiction Advocacy Coalition. “Now they are forced to isolate, and in many cases, stay away from families and friends.”

[Bommer]

It would be i teresting to compare the rise in suicides to the decline in church membership.

[muggs]

Between covid and lack of decent, effective pain control I would expect suicide rates to raise dramatically.

[muggs]

My grandson is 10 and has autism. He has always self harmed, I think because of anxiety. The self harming and anxiety have increased horribly.

[muggs]

My grandson is 10 and has autism. He has always self harmed, I think because of anxiety. The self harming and anxiety have increased horribly.

[muggs]

I like that saying but at the same time hate it