Hannah Sliwa
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Research Mentor(s): Lindsay Bornheimer, Assistant Professor
Research Mentor School/College/Department: , School of Social Work
Presentation Date: Thursday, April 22, 2021
Session: Session 1 (10am-10:50am)
Breakout Room: Room 13
Presenter: 2
Abstract
Objective: Various studies indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly worsened community and individual well-being around the world. Of these psychological effects, rates of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, insomnia, and suicidality have been rapidly increasing, according to mental health screeners. This study seeks to further understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has specifically impacted suicidality in adult psychiatric clients. This abstract presents on the impact of COVID-19 on clients with psychosis at risk for suicide in a community mental health setting. Methods: Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered in surveys among 6 adult clients in Washtenaw County Community Mental Health, Michigan. Findings: Participants reported that COVID-19 has made it harder to access or receive treatment (67%), their mental health has been worse (83%), and thoughts of suicide have increased (n=3, 50%). Qualitative themes related to the desire for support, transportation challenges, and service delivery changes (e.g., no virtual group therapy). Implications: Findings suggest that access to services has been a challenge due to COVID-19 and suicide prevention is a critical concern. Therefore, plans for suicide care and prevention must be examined and implemented to avoid increased suicide rates as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves.
Authors: Hannah Sliwa, Lindsay Bornheimer, Juliann Li
Research Method: Library/Archival/Internet Research
