SSN Commentary

COVID-19 and Suicide: Prioritizing Our Well-Being

Policy field

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Michigan State University

Originally published as: Corbin J. Standley, "COVID-19 and Suicide: Prioritizing Our Well-Being," MSU SciComm, March 31, 2020.

Over the last couple of months, COVID-19 has dramatically altered our norms and routines. As we each do our part to fight the spread of this virus by staying home and washing our hands, it is also an important time to focus on our social and emotional well-being. This was highlighted in a recent town hall about the pandemic in which President Trump suggested that continued social distancing would lead to “suicides by the thousands” in the U.S., due in part to economic distress. Though presented inaccurately, this comment raised concerns in the media and the public.