COVID-19 Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Key Messages
These key messages were developed by the Action Alliance's Messaging Work Group (MWG)—a collaboration of nearly 20 mental health and suicide prevention partners and federal agencies—in response to the current pandemic. We encourage use of the below guidance when publicly messaging about suicide prevention and/or mental health during and in the aftermath of COVID-19 so to help ensure our field's messaging is effective, reliable, and consistent. As the pandemic continues to evolve, these key messages will be updated to reflect any necessary changes.
Key Message #1:
Acting now can help to prevent negative mental health impacts of the pandemic.
- We must respond to both our nation’s physical and mental health needs during and in the aftermath of this public health emergency.
- Just like we are protecting our physical health right now, we should also be taking care of our mental health as we navigate this pandemic.
- Much can be done now—both inside and outside of clinical settings (in-person and virtual)—to help oneself and others.
Key Message #2:
The mental health impacts of the pandemic highlight the importance of a national and coordinated effort.
- In the wake of the pandemic—along with economic and social unrest—we have an unprecedented opportunity to address critical gaps in our nation’s mental health and suicide prevention systems.
- The Action Alliance’s Mental Health & Suicide Prevention National Response to COVID-19 (National Response) brings together diverse public and private sector partners to create lasting cultural, systems, and policy changes that ensure equitable access to the care, support, and services people need—when and where they need them.
- A mental health and suicide prevention response must include both traditional and non-traditional sectors, especially sectors whose employees are being significantly impacted by COVID-19 such (e.g. airlines, hospitality, restaurants, and food and beverage).
Key Message #3:
Social connectedness is key, and all Americans can play a role in supporting others.
- Research indicates that a sense of belonging and social connectedness improves physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In fact, connectedness is a proven protective factor against suicide.
- It is possible to remain socially connected to others while practicing physical distancing. There are resources available to help us stay connected, even during this time of physical distancing.
- Asking someone if they are thinking about suicide does not put the idea of suicide in that person’s head. Instead, asking the question opens the door for a caring conversation about how someone might be hurting and how you might be able to help.
Key Message #4:
While there is no conclusive data to indicate that suicide rates have risen as a result of COVID-19, we do know many Americans are experiencing impacts on their mental and emotional well-being, and issues such as job loss, financial strain, and social isolation are all risks factors for suicide.
- Speculating about the potential impact COVID-19 may have on suicide rates can lead to normalizing suicide as a response to the current pandemic and could result in increased suicide contagion.
- Some populations, including LGBTQ youth, minority populations, frontline workers, or those experiencing job loss and financial strain, may be experiencing increased mental health challenges as an effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Additionally, we know the pandemic may be especially challenging for those who struggled with mental health conditions prior to the start of the pandemic.
Key Message #5:
Help is available for those who may be experiencing a mental health or suicidal crisis.
- Mental health services, evidence-based treatments, and supports are available.
- If someone is experiencing an emotional crisis or thoughts of suicide, free 24/7, confidential services are available.
- For emotional support specifically related to COVID-19, call the Disaster Distress Helpline (800-985-5990), or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
- For those experiencing a suicide or mental health related crisis, call or text 988 or chat 988Lifeline.org. Or you can text 'HOME' to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
- For those who identify as part of the LGBTQ community, call the TrevorLifeline (866-488-7386) or text START to 678-678.
- For Veterans who are in crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line (988 and press 1) or text 838255.
- For frontline workers dealing with anxiety, stress, fear, isolation, or other difficult emotions, text FRONTLINE to 741741.
Key Message #6:
When discussing data, especially data related to call and text volumes for crisis services, include the appropriate timeframe and context.
- Increased outreach to crisis services does not necessarily mean more people are suicidal. Instead, it may mean more people are being made aware of a service or are connecting to care when they need it.
Key Message #7:
Virtual health care support services, like telehealth, are available for those looking to access behavioral health care.
- Telehealth services can be a key prevention tool—both during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Research suggests that telehealth can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy and, for some individuals, it is even preferable.
- There needs to be greater investment in more robust infrastructure to strengthen access to telehealth and other innovative care models, especially for rural and tribal communities given that data show these communities are disproportionately impacted by suicide.
Key Message #8:
Even in normal circumstances, those working in health care delivery experience stress, anxiety, and burnout; but the COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating these issues with many also experiencing compassion fatigue, fear for their own physical health, and trauma.
- Health care organizations can care for the whole health of their clinicians and staff by offering resources and tools to support emotional well-being and resilience, and creating a culture that embraces mental well-being.
- It’s vital that clinicians and staff are encouraged to take time to address and support their own mental health, and feel comfortable reaching out to one another to provide social support and connection.
- Health care workers need to know they can openly discuss stress and burnout, and they will find the support and resources they need to get help.
- Some resources for health care workers include:
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Click here to download a PDF version of these key messages.
These messages were developed as part of the Action Alliance's Mental Health & Suicide Prevention National Response to COVID-19 (National Response), which brings together the public and private sectors to lead a coordinated mental health and suicide prevention response to the pandemic. To learn more, visit NationalMentalHealthResponse.org.
Questions? Please contact miselin@edc.org.
Role of News Media
News media play an important role in providing accurate and safe information during this pandemic and are encouraged to continue utilizing best practices when reporting on suicide or suicide prevention.
- Reporting on Suicide During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Recommendations for Reporting on Suicide (www.reportingonsuicide.org)