In the midst of a pandemic, many are aware of the concerning factors and protocols that go along with the virus. However, what often gets lost is the silent atrocities that are still occuring, often within one’s own neighborhood.

In the beginning of March, lockdowns across the country were enacted in order to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Individuals were asked to stay inside, and limit their travels for  essential matters only, such as food and health services. As people remain in their homes, limiting travels to the outside world, hidden horrors are becoming less exposed. Issues including mental health and abuse are lost in the conversation during the pandemic leading to alarming rates.

With the virus continuing to cause havoc across the globe, countries that have enacted stay at home orders, that were supposed to last for weeks, have now turned into months and remain to this day. Throughout this time period, rates such as suicide have seen stark increases. Looking at the data from Japan, according to CNN, suicide rates have jumped nearly 35 percent since the start of 2020. In fact, more people have died from suicide then they have from COVID-19 in Japan. Previously, for the past decade, suicide rates in Japan had been decreasing until 2020 where CNN reports that “the pandemic appears to have reversed that trend.” 

With Japan being one of a few countries that have released there suicide reports, and having a much shorter quarantine period than most, it leads to concerning signs of what may come from major countries like the U.S..

Health officials have pointed towards the isolation resulting from the virus as the main contributor. In a study cited by American Psychological Association, it states, “…lack of social connection heightens health risks as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day or having alcohol use disorder. [Julianne Holt-Lunstad] also found that loneliness and social isolation are twice as harmful to physical and mental health as obesity.” 

Moreover, the consequences of the isolation does not stop at higher suicide rates, it also effects many issues like abuse. With many staying inside, limiting their access to the outside world, tensions within the house have risen and privacy has been limited. According to NPR, “stress and isolation create combustible tensions” and that “a lack of privacy subjects many victims to closer surveillance by their abuser.”

Consequently, abuse rates have risen ranging from child abuse to dometic abuse. In a study cited by the Independent, when documenting the abuse rates in the United Kingdom throughout the first month of quarantine, “10 children were treated for suspected abusive head trauma at the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London.” Up by over 1400% from the monthly average during the past three years. 

Additionally, similar reports have come from countries like France, where spikes have been seen in domestic violence. In a New York Times article, it states, “On Thursday, the French police reported a nationwide spike of about 30 percent in domestic violence.” 

The article went on to cite that “In Spain, the emergency number for domestic violence received 18 percent more calls in the first two weeks of lockdown than in the same period a month earlier.”

As more studies and statistics come in, it is evident that due to the isolation of individuals during the pandemic, many of these issues will see significant rises in their rates. However, this does not mean one shall stop quarantining, in fact one must do the opposite in order to help stop the spread. In doing so will the isolation end. Moreover, in order to help stop these alarming rates, one must be more diligent and aware of their close friends and family. Keep in contact, make sure to check in, and most of all if you know one is in need, get them help.