COVID-19 has been shown to contribute to substance abuse and suicide, according to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
“The current national COVID-19 crisis will certainly contribute to the growth in the number of Americans needing urgent care to address mental health needs, including suicidality,” said SAMHSA.
“Americans across the country will struggle with increases in depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, isolation, loss of employment, financial instability and other challenges, which can lead to suicide and suicide attempts.”
This problem was first recognized when examining reported suicide attempts in emergency rooms across the U.S., according to Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz, SAMHSA director.
Calls to a national mental health hotline in April alone increased by 1,000% when compared to the same period last year, McCance-Katz said.
Resources for those battling substance abuse or suicidal thoughts are as follows:
•Georgia Crisis & Access Line, 1-800-715-4225; and
•SAMHSA’s National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255, suicidepreventionlifeline.org.