Table 3.

Proposed suicide prevention strategies during pandemics.

Problem situation	Interventions
Mental disorders	Tele-psychiatry & tele-psychotherapy Active digital follow-up Online medication refill Ensure availability of psychotropics at district levels Psychoeducation of caregivers
Psychological distress due to pandemics	Encourage professional help Staying away from the social media Online counseling
Suicidal crisis (acute)	Clear assessment and intervention guidelines Online-based crisis interventions Digital resources for coping Flexible crisis helplines (24/7) Volunteer workforce for outreach Training of the local authorities for emergency response
Substance abuse	Safe drinking and monitoring messages
Domestic abuse	Integrate mental health helplines with women, child and elder services Hassle-free reporting Ensuring safe shelter
Isolation and quarantine	Digital connectedness Community support Ensure living amenities Weekly sessions for mental health support
Misinformation	Mental health education through social media: IEC activities Community awareness programs (street plays, infographics on print/digital media) Government messages and policies Tele-training of primary health care providers to debunk fake news Media-health sector collaboration Advocating authentic information sources (WHO, CDC)
Economic crisis	Financial packages by Government Ensure food, housing, and emergency funds for the unemployed and homeless Ensure safety, awareness and transportation to homes for migrants Long term labor sustenance policies
Vulnerable population	For frontline workers (mental health care sessions, peer support, flexible shifts, ensure safety in isolation, adequate rest, debriefing, medical protective equipment) For the elderly and those stranded alone (delivery of food, water, medicines and other essentials)

IEC Information, Education and Communication, WHO World Health Organization, CDC Center for Disease Prevention and Control