# Examining the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Suicide-Attempt Survivors

## TL;DR

This study found that people who survived a suicide attempt experienced worse mental health during the pandemic but also reported increased resilience.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into how the pandemic affected individuals with a history of suicide attempts compared to others.

## Key findings

- Suicide-attempt survivors had higher odds of mental health service use and hospitalization during the pandemic.
- Participants with a suicide history reported worse functioning, more despair, and less optimism.
- Many suicide-attempt survivors believed their experience increased their resilience.

## Abstract

Despite initial concerns about the severe negative impact of COVID-19 on individuals with a history of mental health problems and suicide attempts, its effects remain unclear. This study examined the pandemic’s impact on individuals with and without lived experience of suicide attempts. An online nationwide sample of 1351 adults from the United States completed questionnaires from 26 May to 25 June 2021. A history of suicide attempt(s) (n = 159; 12%) was associated with significantly higher odds of utilizing mental health services, hospitalization for psychiatric reasons, and contacting hotlines. This history predicted worse outcomes in functioning, optimism, despair, and impairment. Notably, 57.6% of these individuals believed surviving a suicide attempt made them more resilient, while 21.9% expressed uncertainty about its impact on their resilience. In sum, participants with a history of suicide attempt(s) reported more depressive symptoms, worse daily functioning, more despair, less optimism, and greater service utilization during the pandemic, yet many also cited increased resilience due to their suicide history.