Linking COVID-19 with Suicide: Suggestions for Future Research

Abstract

COVID-19 has impacted the world socio-economically. Unemployment, poverty, social stigma, social isolation, domestic violence and mental illnesses are the notable social issues related to COVID-19 pandemic. Framed under a review based approach, the current study searches for the link between COVID-19 pandemic and an increased vulnerability to suicide across the globe. Linking the current situation with researched determinants of suicide shows that COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating various socio-economic and psychological causes of suicide. In near future or even during the pandemic, suicide will be a key challenge for the public health sector across the globe. Besides, future research suggestions are given in light of the discussion in order to provide an impetus to researching the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide.