Three cases of suicide during the COVID-19 epidemic – the need for action?

Authors

  • Armin Alibegović Department of Forensic Medicine and Deontology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
  • Jože Balažic Department of Forensic Medicine and Deontology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
  • Vesna Švab Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Health Center Sevnica, Sevnica, Slovenia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6016/ZdravVestn.3070

Keywords:

quarantine, coronavirus, mental disorder, anxiety, suicide

Abstract

According to the data available, the COVID-19 epidemic, similarly as previous epidemics of infectious diseases, caused consequences for the mental health of the population. Mental health is particularly at risk in vulnerable groups such as people with mental disorders, migrants, and people on the frontline of the epidemic crisis. Long-term isolation or quarantine exacerbates the symptoms of anxiety, depression and suicide. Cases presented are connected, even though not directly caused by the health crisis during the COVID-19 epidemic. Therefore, during and after the COVID-19 crisis, as well as during other natural disasters, guidelines for working on mental health issues of the most vulnerable and exposed groups need to be developed, especially in suicide prevention area. A crisis response requires widespread mobilization of services and experts.

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References

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Published

2020-12-14

Issue

Vol. 89 No. 11-12 (2020): November – December

Section

Case report

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How to Cite

1.
Three cases of suicide during the COVID-19 epidemic – the need for action?. ZdravVestn [Internet]. 2020 Dec. 14 [cited 2024 Oct. 20];89(11-12):634-9. Available from: https://vestnik.szd.si/index.php/ZdravVest/article/view/3070