Abstract

FERRACIOLI, Natália Gallo Mendes et al. Suicide behavior: life and death paradox in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Est. Inter. Psicol. [online]. 2021, vol.12, n.2, pp.75-100. ISSN 2236-6407.  https://doi.org/10.5433/2236-6407.2021v12n2p75.

The COVID-19 pandemic causes numerous impacts on the mental health, ranging from expected reactions of acute stress to more pronounced complications, which can decompensate pre-existing psychopathological conditions or trigger new ones. The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze risk factors for suicide that may be exacerbated by the global health emergency situation. The narrative review allowed mapping the following risk factors: complicated grief, economic insecurity, social isolation, domestic violence, alcohol and drug abuse, barriers in accessing the health system and community, psychosocial and spiritual support networks, risks inherent to hospitalization situations, and vulnerability of frontline professionals. Aspects that can act as protection and methods of suicide prevention and postvention were also addressed. The pandemic situation raises the vulnerability of people to suicidal behavior, but the deleterious effects can be mitigated with mental health protection strategies, which should have priority on the public health agenda.

Keywords : suicide; suicidal behavior; suicide prevention; pandemics; COVID-19.

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