{"id":9386,"date":"2020-04-27T15:19:28","date_gmt":"2020-04-27T20:19:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/?p=9386"},"modified":"2020-04-27T16:16:14","modified_gmt":"2020-04-27T21:16:14","slug":"watch-for-signs-of-depression-and-suicide-during-isolation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/watch-for-signs-of-depression-and-suicide-during-isolation\/","title":{"rendered":"Watch for signs of depression and suicide during isolation"},"content":{"rendered":"

As people stay home to help end the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)<\/a>, behavioral health professionals are worried<\/a> about the impact isolation and distancing may have on people with mental health<\/a> conditions, according to several media reports.<\/p>\n

They are concerned because social contact can be a vital aspect of support or treatment for people. Enforced isolation can exacerbate mental conditions and contribute to things like worsening depression and suicide.<\/p>\n

The danger is real<\/h2>\n

\"\"Beth Looney understands how serious the risk of suicide can be. Her life came to a screeching halt nine years ago when her husband, Scott, committed suicide. Scott had been suffering with depression, but his death was unexpected and devastating for Looney and their four children.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy journey with mental illness and suicide \u2013 I guess I was pretty sheltered and didn\u2019t really feel that it would happen to my family. And it did,\u201d said Looney.<\/p>\n

The traumatic experience turned Looney into a suicide prevention advocate, and led her into a career with OSF HealthCare as a behavioral health<\/a> navigator. She spends her time helping people get the correct behavioral health care for their needs.<\/p>\n

Looney says a major issue with suicide is the lack of comfort people have with simply discussing it.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a stigma attached with mental illness, there\u2019s a stigma that\u2019s attached with suicide, and it\u2019s a comfort level,\u201d she said. \u201cYou have to be comfortable saying that word, and some people avoid it at all costs because they\u2019re scared.\u201d<\/p>\n

Check in on loved ones<\/h2>\n

However, Looney said to pay attention to signs that a friend or loved one is struggling with depression or other mental issues. She said one of the best things we can do is be aware of any changes. People who may be feeling hopeless and who are at risk can benefit by knowing others care.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake the time when it\u2019s right, in a quiet place, not with a whole group of people, and just asking, saying, \u2018Hey are you OK? I\u2019ve noticed that you\u2019re not acting like yourself and I care and am really worried about you,\u2019\u201d Looney said.<\/p>\n

Anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts is advised to call 911. There is also a National Suicide Prevention Lifeline staffed by trained counselors, is completely anonymous and is available 24\/7. That number is 1-800-273-8255.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s OK to reach out for help, and that doesn\u2019t mean that you\u2019re a weak person,\u201d urged Looney. \u201cReally give yourself some credit that you realize that it\u2019s OK \u2013 you don\u2019t have to do this alone, and there are people who care.\u201d<\/p>\n

What to watch for<\/h2>\n

Warning signs someone may be at risk of committing suicide, according to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline<\/a>:<\/p>\n