Suicidal attempt and suicidal ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to previous years

Introduction

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, warnings have been made about the impact on the mental health of the population and as occurred in previous pandemics, an increase in suicide rates had been anticipated. To date, studies differ with regard to whether suicide rates are being affected during the COVID pandemic.

Material and methods

All individuals registered for suicidal ideation or suicidal attempt in the Suicide Risk Code (SRC) from the City of Barcelona from January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2021 have been included. A bivariate analysis has been carried out between the 2018 and 2019 period and the pandemic period. The percentage increase in the monthly incidence of SRC cases has been calculated, using the average monthly incidence for the 2018–2019 period as a reference.

Results

A total of 3 388 consultations for suicide ideation or suicidal attempt were registered. There has been an increase of 43.20% in the monthly incidence of suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts during the pandemic compared to the 2018–2019 period, reaching a maximum increase of 573.8% in young people under 18 years in the month of May 2021.

Conclusions

During the COVID-19 pandemic period, consultations for suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts have increased compared to the previous 2 years in the City of Barcelona. It should be noted that this growth has been occurred especially in young people under the age of 18 years.