Individuals Who Have Experienced a Disaster

Most research conducted on suicide post-disaster finds no increases in suicide rates immediately after disasters. However, suicidal ideations, plans, and attempts are likely to emerge several months after a disaster.

The DOH is responding to the potential link between post-disaster and suicide risk through use of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER). The primary goals of CASPER are to rapidly obtain information about the needs of an affected community, and to assess changes in needs during the response or recovery period.

The Florida State University Department of Psychology screened students in introductory to psychology courses at the beginning of the 2020 Spring semester. Re-administered questions following implemented Coronavirus guidelines indicated student’s severity of suicidal ideation was related to psychological and behavioral impacts of Coronavirus, including increased loneliness due to social distancing. Additional screenings are planned to assess impacts over time.