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Abstract
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Dear Editor,
Prior to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, suicide rates among women in the United States were already increasing significantly. Although researchers have yet to conclude whether rates of suicide have increased since the pandemic began, many suicidologists have theorized that suicide rates will increase during or following the pandemic (Reger et al., 2020). As researchers begin to examine this important question, we urge them to consider the role of gender - specifically, to examine whether there are gender differences in rates and trends of suicidal self-directed violence following the start of the pandemic; and whether different factors drive or protect against this risk for women in particular.
Researchers have generally found that women are more likely to report experiencing suicidal ideation and attempts, whereas men are more likely to die by suicide - often referred to as the gender paradox. Although it remains unknown whether this will extend to experiences during and following the pandemic, the pandemic has disproportionally affected women in ways that could exacerbate their risk for suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide. Since the pandemic began, women have experienced job loss and underemployment with greater propensity (Connor et al., 2020). Women also comprise the majority of healthcare workers within the U.S. and thus are also at heightened risk for occupational exposure (Connor et al., 2020). Additionally, due to school closures during the pandemic, women have disproportionately experienced caregiver burden (Connor et al., 2020). In addition to these economic, occupational, and familial stressors, there has been growing concern regarding increased violence against women during quarantine and other physical distancing efforts (Sánchez et al., 2020). Efforts to physically distance have not only increased reports of violence, but have also decreased opportunities for detection and mitigation of such distressing and potentially traumatic events. Whereas social support can be instrumental in offsetting the impact of stressful life events on mental health and suicide risk, the pandemic has left many feeling lonely and socially isolated (Rains et al., 2020).
Likely stemming from these multiple stressors, women have reported higher levels of stress than men and have been more likely to report psychological distress and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder during the pandemic (Xiong et al., 2020). In normal circumstances, these mental health symptoms - which are also risk factors for suicide - can precipitate seeking out mental healthcare, thereby providing opportunities for healthcare providers to detect and manage such risk. Unfortunately, access to mental healthcare has been more limited during the pandemic. Individuals have described difficulties obtaining mental healthcare, delayed healthcare, and disruptions to ongoing mental health services...
Language: en |