Page 16 - Intuition, Imagination and Innovation in Suicidology Conference, 11th Triple i, Virtual Conference
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h Triple i | Virtual Conference | 16th–19th June 2020 Covid-19 and Suicide Prevention
Diego De Leo
Prof. Diego De Leo (the head of Slovene Centre for Suicide Research and profes-
sor of Psychiatry at the Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia), is considered as
one of top five world leading experts in suicidology by international professional
and scientific public. His research expertise includes definitional issues in suici-
dology, culture and suicide, international trends and national suicide prevention
programs. He received numerous world renowned awards for his scientific work.
His bibliography includes over 420 peer-reviewed articles and 180 book chapters.
Abstract. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic – which causes Covid-19 – is feared to
cause a confluence of risk factors capable of increasing suicidal behaviours.
Policies to combat infection, such as social distancing, social isolation and
quarantine, can have negative effects on vulnerable people such as the el-
derly and those with mental illness. The increased sense of disconnection
from society, physical estrangement and the loss of the usual social and work
opportunities can provoke feelings of loneliness and social isolation, which
are well-known risk factors for suicide, especially in late life. Quarantine it-
self has been associated with psychological distress, especially when prolon-
ged, as demonstrated by the previous SARS outbreak. Rationing of resources,
frustration and boredom, fear of infection, insufficient or contradictory infor-
mation are all stressful factors associated with poor mental health outcomes.
Anxiety, depression and stress-related disorders are common consequences
of emergency situations, especially if long-lasting. In addition, during the
pandemic, people with mental conditions may find obstacles to accessing
continuous treatment, including regular access to drugs and medical checks.
As happened in Italy, people residing in nursing homes can be particularly at
risk of abandonment with inadequate resources, overwhelmed staff and lack
of contact with family members. People who report to emergency depart-
ments with suicidal behaviours may also be disadvantaged due to lengthy
cues with priority given to suspected Covid-19 cases, resulting in suboptimal
levels of care, which can potentially affect suicide numbers. As happened wi-
th the economic crisis between 2008–2010, it is particularly feared that the
Covid-19 pandemic will provoke a global recession, capable of causing a si-
gnificant number of ‘economic suicides’ through mechanisms such as loss of
employment and indebtedness, and housing insecurity.
16 https://doi.org/10.26493/978-961-7055-67-2.16
Diego De Leo
Prof. Diego De Leo (the head of Slovene Centre for Suicide Research and profes-
sor of Psychiatry at the Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia), is considered as
one of top five world leading experts in suicidology by international professional
and scientific public. His research expertise includes definitional issues in suici-
dology, culture and suicide, international trends and national suicide prevention
programs. He received numerous world renowned awards for his scientific work.
His bibliography includes over 420 peer-reviewed articles and 180 book chapters.
Abstract. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic – which causes Covid-19 – is feared to
cause a confluence of risk factors capable of increasing suicidal behaviours.
Policies to combat infection, such as social distancing, social isolation and
quarantine, can have negative effects on vulnerable people such as the el-
derly and those with mental illness. The increased sense of disconnection
from society, physical estrangement and the loss of the usual social and work
opportunities can provoke feelings of loneliness and social isolation, which
are well-known risk factors for suicide, especially in late life. Quarantine it-
self has been associated with psychological distress, especially when prolon-
ged, as demonstrated by the previous SARS outbreak. Rationing of resources,
frustration and boredom, fear of infection, insufficient or contradictory infor-
mation are all stressful factors associated with poor mental health outcomes.
Anxiety, depression and stress-related disorders are common consequences
of emergency situations, especially if long-lasting. In addition, during the
pandemic, people with mental conditions may find obstacles to accessing
continuous treatment, including regular access to drugs and medical checks.
As happened in Italy, people residing in nursing homes can be particularly at
risk of abandonment with inadequate resources, overwhelmed staff and lack
of contact with family members. People who report to emergency depart-
ments with suicidal behaviours may also be disadvantaged due to lengthy
cues with priority given to suspected Covid-19 cases, resulting in suboptimal
levels of care, which can potentially affect suicide numbers. As happened wi-
th the economic crisis between 2008–2010, it is particularly feared that the
Covid-19 pandemic will provoke a global recession, capable of causing a si-
gnificant number of ‘economic suicides’ through mechanisms such as loss of
employment and indebtedness, and housing insecurity.
16 https://doi.org/10.26493/978-961-7055-67-2.16
