With the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, statistics show that there was a significant spike in the purchase of firearms. Whilst this may not seem to be related to the increase in suicidal ideation as an effect of social isolation, owning a handgun has actually been associated with a much greater risk of death by suicide. This along with suicidal ideation hat may stem from depression in social isolation only makes suicide even more of a risk factor. 

Suicidal ideation as a risk factor of social isolation

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a 30% increase in symptoms of depression amongst Americans. Originally being 1 in 10 Americans having symptoms, and jumping to about 4 in 10 Americans having depressive symptoms. 

Depression as a risk factor of social isolation

Cases of domestic violence have increased by 8.1% from the beginning of the stay at  home orders in the United States until now. Considering the lockdown has trapped many domestic violence with their abusers, it was predicted that the amount of domestic violence would increase in social isolation. This along with the increase in unemployment, financial insecurity,  and stress on the male population has driven a majority of domestic violence cases prevalent during the lockdown. 

Domestic Violence as a risk factor of social isolation

The increase in behavioral health issues as a result of social isolation has led to an increase in opioid abuse. According to the CDC 13% of Americans reported beginning or increasing substance use to cope with the distress brought by the pandemic. 

Substance abuse as a risk factor of social isolation

The main risk factors that resulted from the social isolation of the pandemic included suicidal ideation, depression, domestic violence, and substances abuse.  

Wayne State University

Prior to the global pandemic, loneliness and social isolation were linked directly to a reduced lifespan and greater risk of overall mental and physical health. Studies conducted after the initiation of the worldwide stay at home orders proved that social isolation resulted in general stress and were potential causes of negative mental health, substance abuse, and multiple other risk factors.

How social isolation has effected mental health

-Nirmita Panchal, R. K., & 2021, F. (2021, February 10). The Implications of COVID-19 for Mental Health and Substance Use. Retrieved from https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/the-implications-of-covid-19-for-mental-health-and-substance-use/
-“The Double Pandemic Of Social Isolation And COVID-19: Cross-Sector Policy Must Address Both, " Health Affairs Blog, June 22, 2020.
DOI: 10.1377/hblog20200609.53823
-Sacks, C. A., Institute, A. A., Others, D. S., T. T. Shimabukuro and Others, F. P. Polack and Others, & R. W. Frenck and Others. (2020, June 04). Reconsidering Risks of Gun Ownership and Suicide in Unprecedented Times: NEJM. Retrieved from https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMe2007658?af=R&rss=currentIssue
-Nirmita Panchal, R. K., & 2021, F. (2021, April 14). The Implications of COVID-19 for Mental Health and Substance Use. Retrieved from https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/the-implications-of-covid-19-for-mental-health-and-substance-use/
-Domestic Violence Increased in the US by 8.1% During the COVID-19 Pandemic. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/domestic-violence-covid-19-increase-us-ncccj-study/
-https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11150-020-09526-7
-https://fox17.com/news/local/feeling-the-pressures-of-the-pandemic-suicide-hotlines-see-800-percent-spike-in-calls
-https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6932a1.htm
-https://www.apa.org/monitor/2021/03/substance-use-pandemic
-https://www.fnha.ca/about/news-and-events/news/covid-19-pandemic-sparks-surge-in-overdose-deaths-this-year

References for how social isolation effects mental health

Trends of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, were heavily prevalent in Wuhan, China where the first outbreaks of COVID-19 were discovered. It was found that the biological unpreparedness for social isolation only made the psychological effects even more drastic. 

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