Suicide risk of positive covid patients

Read all articles about coronavirus (COVID-19) here.

Handling of COVID-19 focuses on physical health, only a few describe the mental health conditions of the patients. Even though at this time mental health conditions must also be a concern. The urgency comes after several suicides by COVID-19 positive patients in isolation centers.

In general, the COVID-19 pandemic has put pressure on all aspects of people's lives. Tiredness, stress, anxiety, fear, frustration, sadness, and loneliness are things to watch out for.

Why is the pandemic condition affecting mental health to cause thoughts of ending life? How can preventive measures be done?

Case of a COVID-19 patient committing suicide

The first case of a COVID-19 patient who committed suicide occurred Thursday (30/7). The 43-year-old patient allegedly jumped from the 6th floor of the COVID-19 treatment room of the Haji General Hospital, Surabaya.

After that, several cases of suicide by COVID-19 positive patients in Indonesia were reported to have occurred at least 3 times.

• Wednesday (5/8), a positive patient with COVID-19 jumped from the 12th floor of the Royal Prima Hospital, Medan. The patient has undergone a period of isolation and treatment at the hospital for 11 days.
• Thursday (3/9), a COVID-19 positive patient died falling from the 13th floor of the hospital ward of the University of Indonesia. The victim has been undergoing isolation and treatment for the corona virus since Friday (27/8).
• Wednesday (9/9), a 45-year-old COVID-19 patient jumped from the 6th floor of the Wisma Atlet Emergency Hospital and died immediately at the scene.

Of these cases, no one ever knows for sure why a COVID-19 patient decided to end his life. Police said the patient was experiencing stress due to contracting COVID-19 and had to be isolated.

In other countries a similar case also occurred. In fact, not only in COVID-19 patients, suicides have occurred in medical personnel.

Why do corona positive patients commit suicide?

Handling of COVID-19 focuses on physical health, only a few describe the mental health conditions of the patients.

Researchers in China in June wrote a report on the mental health conditions of COVID-19 patients who had attempted suicide. In the report, a 52-year-old patient and 4 family members tested positive for COVID-19.

"Even though the patient had no history of depression, he thought his own negligence had caused several family members to contract the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Therefore, he has a strong sense of guilt and fears that society will discriminate against him, ”reads the report.

Research on the mental health conditions of patients with infectious diseases has been carried out in the cases of MERS and SARS outbreaks. The study reports 10% to 42% of MERS and SARS patients suffer from anxiety, depression and other mental health symptoms. This condition is closely related to the necessity of isolation, the possibility of recovery, and the fear of spreading it to family members.

"Seeing these cases, hospital facilities actually need to provide psychological assistance to patients. It is important to provide timely and effective psychological counseling for patients who think that they must be responsible for disease transmission to the people around them, "said Pulih Foundation clinical psychologist, Nirmala Ika on Hello Sehat, Monday (14/9).

"Most of us often think, 'Yes, let it go or just live'. Even though for some people it can't be like that and need professional help, "he explained.

In another study, journal Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior described the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the general population in the United States.

The study warns practitioners of the possibility of a significant decline in mental health in the coming months or even years. This problem affects health workers, patients, families, society in general.

COVID-19 Outbreak updates Country: IndonesiaData

1,012,350

Confirmed

820,356

Recovered

28,468

DeathDistribution Map

How to maintain mental health during a pandemic?

So far there is little data on the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on suicide rates, especially data in Indonesia. But mental health professionals have had a lot to say about this situation in various media.

The pandemic has added to the emotional and mental stresses of people around the world. Fear and anxiety can stem from a variety of worries and experiences, from problems directly related to the illness to the risk of losing your job.

“The pandemic is not only affecting your physical health but also your mental health. People can begin to feel anxious, stressed, confused, afraid, and angry. That is a normal emotion during a crisis, including this corona virus pandemic, "said dr. Lahargo Kembaren, a psychiatrist and member of the Indonesian Psychiatric Association (PDSKJI) in his Instagram account on Friday (1/9).

If you feel this kind of emotional feeling, Nirmala Ika said not to hesitate to seek professional help.