Influence of changes in occupational status during the COVID-19 pandemic on suicidal narrative, suicide crisis syndrome, and suicidal ideation in Brazil.

Abstract

This article aims to examine differences in suicidal narrative and suicide crisis syndrome symptoms, and suicidal ideation among those who maintained, lost, and gained employment or student status during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a cross-sectional study based on an online and anonymous self-report questionnaire. Participants were recruited through social media platforms between November 2020 and October 2021. Changes in occupational status were assessed in 2,259 individuals. The sample was divided into four groups according to work (full-time/part-time) and study status (1) maintained, (2) lost, (3) gained, and (4) unemployed. Suicide outcomes were investigated by the Suicidal Narrative Inventory, Suicide Crisis Inventory, and Columbia - Suicide Severity Rating Scale Screener version. Changes in occupational status influenced symptoms of the suicide crisis syndrome and suicidal narrative, but not suicidal ideation. Those who maintained their work, such as full-time/part-time scored lower on the total scores of the Suicidal Narrative Inventory and Suicide Crisis Inventory-2 compared to those who lost their employed status and unemployed. Our findings suggest that it is appropriate to consider changes in employed status as a mental health risk factor during pandemics.