Source: Unsplash
By Kate Rooney
- Since entering into week 14 since the initial lockdown in March, over 1000 people in Australia alone have committed suicide during this time. That’s 76 people a week MORE than Covid 19 itself is causing. The economic modelling forecasts that deaths by suicide could outstrip direct deaths by coronavirus by 10 times.
- Helen Anderiesen, who specialises in Perinatal Infant Mental Health, states that stressors from unemployment and a lack of social interaction are among the root causes of mental health issues during this time.
- With unemployment and financial stress being among the highest causes of mental health issues, the rising unemployment rate due to the virus has seen an increase of deaths by suicide jump to 25-50%
- Unemployment alone is linked to increases in death by suicides. Sudden spikes in unemployment are associated with corresponding surges in death by suicides.
- Alongside this, physical isolation from workplaces and social groups contributes to the feeling of solitude and can cause distress to the mental health of all Australians.
- If you or anyone you know is suffering with a mental illness or having a difficult time, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit https://www.lifeline.org.au/