(GETTY IMAGES)
STRESS CAUSED BY widespread social distancing to blunt the spread of the coronavirus may be creating the unintended consequence of increasing the risk of suicide in the general population, according to new research published in JAMA Psychiatry.
The study – “Suicide Mortality and Coronavirus Disease 2019 – A Perfect Storm?” – identifies a raft of reasons why social distancing may be increasing the risk of suicide even as it helps stop the spread of coronavirus. More than 95% of the U.S. population is under a state or local order to stay at home except for necessary errands, like going to the grocery store or to an urgent medical appointment.
“Secondary consequences of social distancing may increase the risk of suicide,” researchers wrote. “It is important to consider changes in a variety of economic, psycho-social, and health-associated risk factors.”
The study noted that the possible increased risk of suicide is occurring at a time when the suicide rate in the U.S. is already on the rise. Since 1999, the suicide rate in the U.S. has risen by 35%, according to a recent analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S…
Read more at U.S. News & World Report…