Suicide Prevention During Covid-19
The COVID-19 pandemic presents unprecedented challenges. Beyond the physical harms of COVID-19, the pandemic carries secondary consequences, such as social isolation, economic stress, and barriers to mental health treatment. All of these issues may increase the risk of suicide. Montana’s consistently high suicide rate is among the highest in the nation. Now, health experts who work with American Indian communities in Montana fear the pandemic could make their mental health worse.
Because suicide prevention requires special attention during the pandemic, the Center launched a study in collaboration with Tribal and urban Indian health centers throughout Montana. The study sought to identify perceptions and attitudes of behavioral health and medical care providers who are working to prevent suicides during this difficult time. The survey asked about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on suicide risks among American Indians in Montana, changes in suicide prevention care, adoption of telehealth, and the effectiveness and efficiency of telehealth for suicide prevention services.