A psychologist shares how to spot the warning signs for suicide in the midst of the pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health everywhere, and a new study in JAMA Network Open revealed that depression rates have tripled since this time last year. Yahoo Life Mental Health Contributor Jen Hartstein says that this also has an impact on the rates of suicide, and on World Suicide Prevention Day, she says it's more important than ever to become aware of the warning signs to look out for to help those in your life who may be suicidal. The Suicide Prevention Lifeline lists additional potential warning signs as: Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain Talking about being a burden to others Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly Sleeping too little or too much Withdrawing or isolating themselves Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge Extreme mood swings "Unfortunately talking about how we feel is still really a challenge because very often we're told don't talk about it, write it out, snap out of it. It'll all be okay. And the fact is that does as a huge disservice. So don't be afraid to ask someone how they're doing," Hartstein says. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255, and the Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting ‘HOME’ to 741741. These resources should be called even if you’re not the one in need of help, but you want to find a way to better support the person who is.