Unemployment arising out of the #covid-19 situation could cause about 9,570 more suicides per year, suggests a new study.
The #covid-19 #pandemic has taken up unemployment levels to historic highs in several countries. Even as lockdowns continue to disrupt livelihoods, the larger #mentalhealthissue cannot be ignored. As a new study suggests, job losses due to #covid-19 could result in up to 9,570 more suicides globally than is normal in a year.
The estimate was made by Swiss researchers Wolfram Kawohl and Carlos Nordt in a new Lancet note.
Using International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates, they said global unemployment could rise from 4.9% to 5.6% in the worst-case scenario after #covid-19, and to 5.1% in the best case.
As a result, suicides would rise by 9,570 a year in the first case, and by 2,135 in the latter, they estimated.
Citing the ILO estimates, the study projected between 5.3 million and 24.7 million job losses due to the situation arising out of #covid-19.
The analysis used another model the same authors had developed to estimate the effect of job losses on suicides between 2000 and 2011.
The authors had found that during that period—which included the 2008 economic crisis—the risk of suicides increased 20-30% when linked to unemployment.
Moreover, the authors point out, citing the #WorldHealthOrganization (WHO) data, that for each #suicide, there are more than 20 #suicide attempts. They also warned that the 2008 data had shown that suicides rose even before joblessness. This means more people may need help from #mentalhealthservices during the #pandemic and the #mentalhealthsystem could be saddled with extra burden.
The authors warn that a downsizing of the economy and the health system’s focus on #covid-19 could increase the risks for those vulnerable to #mentalhealth ailments.
#JamesDonaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
