Every year we recognize September as suicide prevention month in an effort to promote awareness, contribute to the dialogue and provide needed resources. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing hardships for people of all walks of life, including those suffering from mental illness. Maine CDC Director Dr. Nirav Shah reminds us each week not only to remain diligent in our physical health safety practices, but also in taking care of our mental health as we navigate the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic.
We have been living with the pandemic for over six months now and feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety and other emotional and financial stresses are nearly impossible to avoid. These factors are also all known contributors to one’s risk for suicide. In a report released by the Maine Attorney General’s office and the Maine Medical Examiner’s office, drug overdose deaths have dramatically increased in 2020. The report found that 127 deaths were caused by drugs in the first quarter of 2020, demonstrating a 23% increase from the final quarter of 2019.
Even before the pandemic suicide was a growing public health problem. In 2018 alone suicide was responsible for over 48,000 deaths in the United States. It is the tenth leading cause of death in our country. These statistics are grim, but suicide prevention month is about taking action to better support our loved ones and reducing the stigma so that we all feel comfortable asking for help.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has outlined several steps we can take to be better supports and advocates. Namely they have launched a campaign that encourages folks to #BeThe1To ask, be there, keep them safe, help them stay connected, follow-up and learn more. So much more must be done remotely these days, but even through virtual connection we can make a difference. I urge you all to check in on a friend, neighbor or loved one. Ask them how they’re doing and if they’ve had any suicidal thoughts. Combat the loneliness and isolation we are all feeling by picking up the phone or going for a physically distant walk. Sometimes being a non judgmental presence is the most helpful thing we can do.
We can also help by ensuring folks have access to available suicide prevention resources like the Lifeline number 800-273-8255 or the online Lifeline Crisis Chat or by connecting them with resources in their community including friends, faith communities or other public service providers. Following up with individuals after treatment and establishing ongoing connection has additionally been shown to be an effective suicide prevention strategy.
With these steps in mind, it is also crucial to remember that we are all going through a lot these days. While we have re-framed our approach to distancing during the pandemic to physical distancing and not social distancing, it’s still easy to feel disconnected. We now must be much more intentional about the time we spend together.
In the wise words of our beloved Maine CDC director, Dr. Nirav Shah, “Although social distancing is the recommendation of the Maine CDC, we have to be cautious in order to prevent an epidemic of COVID-19 from becoming an epidemic of loneliness. So while I recommend that everyone socially distance, I also recommend that everyone socially connect in different ways, whether that be through Facetime and other conferencing apps, whether that be calling an old friend you haven’t talked to in a long time, or sitting on your porch and waving at your neighbors. Everyone should still remain socially connected. Even as we introduce a little bit of physical space, that does not mean we need to introduce absolute space.”
Rep. Maureen “Mo” Terry is serving her second term in the Maine House of Representatives. She is a chef and small business owner with more than 25 years of experience in the food service industry. She serves on the Taxation Committee.
(207) 712-9735 | (800) 423-2900 | maureen.terry@legislature.maine.gov