US suicides dropped last year, defying pandemic expectations | Hacker News Reader

US suicides dropped last year, defying pandemic expectations

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27 pointsekianjo8 comments

It's fantastic that suicide rates are lower.

I do think the article has missed a very important factor as to why though. I'm not saying the "heroism" phenomenon or the access to tele-based help and support isn't a factor but I think it's also safe to assume that many people, especially those with anxiety would have faced less social stress because they were confined to their homes. Many people are bullied in life, work, home, school etc... and some people struggle to be outside because of being-judged or whatever their reason.

Also, because (in the UK at least) people are not forced to go to work and can get furlough or work remotely, they are no longer feeling forced to endure these things.

I also think the sleeping in probably helps :)

I feel guilty that last year was one of the best if not the best of my thirties. I’m almost 37 and last year was one of the most relaxing of my life. I got so much done and played so many games I had been wanting to play.

Don't feel bad at all. Give some thought about which of these behaviors you want to keep once pandemic restrictions are lifted.

feeling guilty itself is not a bad thing except when "people around you" deliberately wanted to make you feel that way

as bad as this ongoing pandemic is to public physical health, the social distance improved mental health is worth deeper studying

> I think it's also safe to assume that many people, especially those with anxiety would have faced less social stress because they were confined to their homes.

That’s a huge assumption. Social anxiety is only a small part of anxiety disorders. A lot of anxiety disorders are strongly negatively affected by being cooped up.

Maybe not having to suffer through commutes and then sitting in an office you didn't choose for 8 hours a day is a factor? Working from home gives people much more freedom to arrange their working environment and, to some degree, schedule. Also, many people returned to their home towns, where they're close to family and friends. Personally, for me the WFH after Covid was a blessing. It's a shame that it had to take a global pandemic to force our corporate overlords into arrangements beneficial for our mental health.

Because saying "I'll wait until the pandemic is over" is a reliable way of putting off doing something you're afraid of doing.

Direct link to the report: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2778234

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