Study Says, Coronavirus Lockdown May Increase Suicide Risk; Set Free Ministries Equips Volunteers to Help Remotely

Suicide may be an unintended consequence of lockdowns and social distancing meant to contain the coronavirus pandemic. A new U.S. study outlines seven factors related to the COVID-19 crisis that increase suicide risk. Economic stress, social isolation, and decreased access to support systems are high on the list.

Many mental health agencies have started offering their services through video conferencing. Earlier this week, Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services launched a “warmline” to help people with mental health issues cope during this difficult time.

Based in West Michigan, Set Free Ministries brings God’s healing to hurting people through biblical counseling and training. Executive Director Dean Vander Mey says, “We’re really busy right now. There’s a lot of stress, a lot of fear; there’s a lot of anxiety.”

More about Set Free’s work here.

Managing mental health during a lockdown

A nationwide poll conducted in March found 55-percent of adults say the coronavirus crisis has affected their mental health either a “great deal” or “some.” Most respondents fear the pandemic will negatively affect the U.S. economy. As described here, local psychologists and psychiatrists use telehealth to meet patients’ mental health needs.

Set Free Ministries recently purchased dozens of laptops to equip remote-based volunteers. “We’re getting [resources] in their hands so that they can be a part of helping all the people that are calling into Set Free,” Vander Mey says.

Click here to read more.

SOURCE: Mission Network News, Katey Hearth

CALL TO ACTION

• Ask the Lord to help people struggling with various mental health issues. Pray for peace and comfort.
• Pray strength and endurance for frontline workers in the U.S. and around the world.
• Pray wisdom and discernment for Set Free Ministries’ leaders, staff, and volunteers.