Isolation, closures and widespread lockdowns across Alaska have coincided with a surge in mental health disorders and increased emergency department visits for suicidal thoughts, attempts and drug overdoses. Some of the hardest hit groups are teenagers and those in their early 20s.
A new report from Alaska’s Dept. of Health and Social Services notes that COVID-19 has been “inordinately stressful for many people,” and that national data shows rising rates of mental health and substance abuse disorders across the nation.
The latest study from Alaska looks at suicide, unintentional drug overdose, emergency department visits and crisis intervention calls among Alaskans from Jan. 1 to Nov. 30 of 2020.
During these months, Alaska recorded 5,691 emergency department visits associated with suicidal thoughts and 1,437 emergency visits associated with suicide attempts. Compared to 2019 that represents a 3% increase in visits due to suicidal thoughts and a 12% increase for visits associated with suicide attempts. This uptick began just as COVID mitigation efforts began to shut down schools, churches, public facilities and many other sectors of society. People also began isolating from one another at this time while most public and many private events were canceled or moved online.
In 2020, the highest suicide and overdose death rates were still among males, while suicide rates by age were greatest among those 15–24 and 25–35 years. Overdose death rates were highest in Alaskans 25–44 years old.
ALASKA WATCHMAN DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX
Emergency department visits due to suicidal attempts were highest among females (65%). The hardest hit were girls ages 11 to 14 years. This group accounted for 61.6 of every 1,000 emergency department visits for suicidal thoughts and 55.7 of every 1,000 visits for suicide attempts. The Northern region of Alaska was particularly impacted, as was Anchorage.
The state’s Careline call center saw a massive increase during the third quarter of 2020 compared to 2019. There were 2,245 calls from those 25 to 44 years old (a 90% increase over last year) and a 51% increase in the number of new callers overall.
“The increase in Careline call volume may indicate that more people are seeking assistance due to pandemic-associated stress,” the state report states. It points to CDC recommendations that people promote overall health, build positive relationships and make cultural connections, all of which are “vital for reducing suicidal thoughts, attempts, and deaths.”
TAKING ACTION
If someone exhibits warning signs, do not leave the person alone and remove any objects that could be used in a suicide attempt. Call the CARELINE at 877- 266-4357 or a mental health professional.
3 Comments
Just like the WHO said; lockdowns cause more problems than they “cure”.
Isolation and lack of human interaction is a far more dangerous to health than Covid ever will be. Our family had a very large gathering for Christmas where we not only had our extended family but also a number of single adults that have no family here. We had a lovely time and I will bet none of us will have Covid. All that attended are mindful, a number of us are in professions that require regular testing, and all of us abide by state recommendations when out and about. Please fellow Alaskans, reach out to those you know that might be lonely or isolated. Go out for coffee, go for a walk, hove someone over for dinner. These are easy activities that allow for pandemic caution but can really encourage. Also, to those in care facilities, where they truly need extra connection, if you have a loved one or even an acquaintance, send cards, letters, pictures, treats. Do FaceTime if possible. While we are enduring the insanity of many government decisions, we need to do as much as we can to encourage one another and give hope.
CDC recommendations that people promote overall health, build positive relationships and make cultural connections, all of which are “vital for reducing suicidal thoughts, attempts, and deaths.” How are we supposed to promote overall health with the gyms shutdown, build positive relationships and make cultural connections when we aren’t supposed to be with people?